As Manchester United prepare to face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, they’ve been warned about a French star who could be their biggest problem.
For Manchester United the Europa League is the only chance of silverware this season, and their only real route to qualify for European competition. Despite Andre Onana’s confidence about United’s ability, Lyon are 5th in Ligue 1 and will not be an easy opponent.
Recently United have been inspired to slightly better performances by captain Bruno Fernandes’ brilliant form, and they are the only unbeaten team in the Champions League and Europa League this season.
However, one Lyon player has warned of an emerging superstar in their side who could cause United real trouble.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles sends Rayan Cherki warning
Lyon’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles told BBC Sport that 21-year-old Frenchman Rayan Cherki is “the best natural talent I’ve ever seen.”
Cherki rose from Lyon’s academy and his potential has always been evident. In 2020 he became Lyon’s youngest-ever goalscorer and the youngest player to feature in a Champions League semi-final. However, the versatile attacking midfielder is having his most productive campaign yet.
He has already recorded nine goals in 36 appearances this season – far surpassing his personal best of 5 in 39 appearances in 2022/23. Cherki’s creative prowess is even more formidable, averaging 0.9 goal-creating actions and 6.3 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 this season. He has already registered 18 assists across all competitions, and Maitland-Niles described him as a ‘genius’.
“He is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen,” Maitland-Niles said. “An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.”
If United fans have been impressed with Bruno Fernandes recently, Cherki’s comparative stats from Squawka will be making them sweat.
“He is two-footed, has no fear, keeps going and going, can get past people with such ease, such finesse,” Maitland-Niles continued.
“He is now working for the team off the ball and has gone to another level this season.”
Man United could sign Cherki this summer
Thursday’s clash could be something of an audition for Cherki, with GIVEMESPORT linking United to a move for the Frenchman in the summer.
Cherki has predominantly played in a wide role for Lyon this season, but could also fit into Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system as one of the inside forwards. Due to his two-footed ability, he is perfectly capable of taking on defenders, cutting inside, and linking up with other attackers.
Though they won’t want to let Cherki go, Lyon’s financial troubles could mean they have to let talents leave this summer. He could reportedly cost as little as £25m, but Fabrizio Romano warns that a deal would not be simple.
If Cherki impresses against United in their Europa League quarter-final tie, expect to see speculation about a move ramp up.
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