Manchester United have taken a crucial early lead in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final vs Olympique Lyonnais.
The Red Devils now lead 3-2 on aggregate following last week’s four-goal thriller, and the Old Trafford faithful have been doing their bit from the get-go to ensure the players feel rallied behind.
A superb long-range ball from Noussair Mazraoui fell to Bruno Fernandes on the right flank, with the skipper again operating from a more advanced position further afield.
He then played in Alejandro Garnacho (currently rated at 7.1 on Sofascore), who breezed past his man in the box before cutting back and putting it on a plate for Manuel Ugarte – and there was no chance he could miss from there.
Reacting to the passage of play on X/Twitter, Laurie Whitwell expressed: “Really purposeful start by United + that is a fantastic goal. Started at the feet of Onana – being booed by Lyon fans – triggered by Mazraoui’s pass to Fernandes. Garnacho does brilliantly to go forwards with his first touch + has the wherewithal to pick out Ugarte.”
Reds take early lead – but must build on it
United have struggled to find the back of the net early doors in the majority of their matches this season, so must now ensure they don’t capitulate and squander their lead, given the time remaining in the crunch tie.
It’s a case of Europa League or bust for Ruben Amorim in his maiden season, with the competition also providing the Reds with their only route into the Champions League next term.
Acquiring a spot among Europe’s elite would work wonders in the club’s pursuit of any targets, as well as giving the board a much-needed cash boost to bolster Amorim’s options.
