Thursday night will see Manchester United return to the south of France to face Lyon for the first time in 17 years.
It was February 2008 when Manchester United last visited Lyon, facing off in the Champions League round of 16 at Stade Gerland. Since then, a lot has changed, notably Lyon’s stadium, for one, as they now play out of Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Groupama Stadium).
But a lot has also changed for United, as the side which was on its way to becoming the kings of Europe. The United side of the 2007/08 season was incredible, winning both the Premier League and Champions League.
It was a squad stacked with world-class talent, as Gary Neville claimed eight of the United team could start for any side in the world and at the time, this was absolutely true.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side drew with Lyon in the first leg away from home as substitute Carlos Tevez bagged a late equaliser. This, before Cristiano Ronaldo scored the sole goal in the second leg at Old Trafford.
Looking back at the team United had to face Lyon, we can only remember fondly how much talent the club had at its disposal.
Manchester United’s XI last time the club faced Lyon
2008 was a special year for United, completely different to the team that Ruben Amorim will bring to Lyon this week in the Europa League quarter-final.
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Here is how United lined up against Lyon back in 2008, the last time the two clubs faced off in France.
Edwin van der Sar
In goal, Edwin van der Sar made Wayne Rooney’s ultimate United XI, and he was in the net on the last visit to Lyon, a massive upgrade on current number one Andre Onana.
Wes Brown
At right back, Wes Brown was the regular starter at this point, as Neville spent much of the campaign on the injury list.
Rio Ferdinand
United’s past trip to Lyon saw a formidable backline led by Rio Ferdinand, who started the game as a central defender.
Nemanja Vidic
Ferdinand’s partner was the rock-solid Serbian Nemanja Vidic. This centre-back pairing struck fear into defenders, and against Lyon in 2008, Karim Benzema had the impossible task of battling these two.
Patrice Evra
Completing the back four was ever-present Frenchman Patrice Evra.
Owen Hargreaves
Moving into the midfield, United had Owen Hargreaves as the deep-lying player. Hargreaves is often overlooked, but his quality is undoubtable, and he would be in Amorim’s team right now if he had started.
Paul Scholes
Also in the midfield Sir Alex took to Lyon was Paul Scholes. The legendary No.8 is seen as the club’s best-ever player by many, including Van der Sar, who named Scholes as the greatest of all time.
Anderson
Completing the midfield was Brazilian wonderkid at the time, Anderson, who is a rare member of this squad who might not be a star for Amorim’s 2025 side.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Getting into the front three is where the team become truly generational for United with Cristiano Ronaldo starting in Lyon. Ronaldo was the star of the record-breaking front three of the 2007/08 season.
- READ MORE: Who is Cristiano Ronaldo? Meet one of football’s most iconic names and undisputed Man Utd legend
Ryan Giggs
On the other side from Ronaldo was Ryan Giggs, who was in the twilight of his career yet still producing class for United.
Wayne Rooney
Starting as the striker for United the last time the team went to Lyon was record goal scorer Wayne Rooney, who would be revolutionary for Amorim’s current side.
This team is sensational and highlights the major difference in the quality of players United currently have.
If United are to head to the top of the sport again, like in 2008, it will take a lot of work from Ineos to build a squad like the one which Sir Alex had.
Luckily for United, the current Lyon side is also a shell of the side which Sir Alex took on in 2008, and therefore, we expect a positive return to France this Thursday.
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