After the 2-2 draw against Manchester United, Rayan Cherki speaks out and doesn’t hesitate to call out Onana and his teammates
The thrilling 2-2 draw between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash delivered plenty of drama, but it was the post-match remarks from Lyon’s young forward Rayan Cherki that truly ignited the conversation. Despite the balanced scoreline, Lyon’s camp exuded confidence, suggesting they not only held their own but may have deserved to leave with a win. Cherki, who scored the late equalizer, didn’t hesitate to express his frustration at the result and offered sharp insights into what he saw as Manchester United’s overly cautious approach.
Cherki’s post-match comments implied that the English giants approached the game with a sense of fear, wary of Lyon’s attacking power. Speaking passionately, he pointed to United’s use of two defensive midfielders as evidence of their attempt to stifle Lyon rather than impose their own game. He emphasized that Lyon respected their coach’s instructions and felt they had done enough to win. The tone of his remarks reflected a belief that Lyon had unsettled a team many considered the favourites and that United’s strategy showed more respect than ambition.
Throughout the match, Lyon demonstrated tactical discipline and a strong defensive shape that stifled Manchester United’s creativity. Players like Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund found it difficult to break through Lyon’s compact structure. Cherki’s view was that United’s tactics, far from being proactive, were a response to Lyon’s perceived danger, and that the visitors prioritized avoiding defeat over pressing for a victory.
As attention shifts to the second leg at Old Trafford, the confidence in the Lyon camp is undeniable. Cherki made it clear that his team would head to England with the intent to attack and win, openly hoping United wouldn’t adopt the same conservative game plan. He promised a bold performance, full of attacking intent and expressive football. Lyon, buoyed by their display in the first leg, appear determined to push beyond the quarter-final stage, unafraid of the challenge ahead.
Their aim is not merely to defend the result but to seize victory in Manchester. Should they maintain their tactical sharpness and fighting spirit, Lyon could cause an upset and shake up the Europa League landscape. For Manchester United, the message is clear — a more assertive and courageous performance will be required to keep their European dreams alive in the face of a fearless and hungry Lyon side.
