Manchester United fans got to see a transfer target up close as Rayan Cherki impressed on his Old Trafford audition on Thursday night.
It was a game that had everything as Manchester United beat Lyon 5-4 to progress to the Europa League semi-finals.
Old Trafford was bouncing at full-time after three goals in seven minutes sealed a win in a chaotic nine-goal thriller.
United took a 2-0 goal lead into the break and were 4-2 up in the tie, thanks to goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot. That didn’t stop Lyon from coming out and attacking in the second half, scoring two goals and forcing the game to extra time.
The French outfit kicked on in extra time to take a two-goal lead, only for United to respond with three goals in seven minutes to seal the win as Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire got on the scoresheet.
Lyon star Rayan Cherki impressed Rio Ferdinand
Rayan Cherki was without doubt Lyon’s best player on the pitch, scoring in both legs against United as he continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old playmaker was a threat both from open play and with corner kicks.
The highly-rated youngster was taking the set pieces from both sides of the pitch with either foot, which drew the attention of former United defender Rio Ferdinand, on commentary for TNT Sport alongside Darren Fletcher and Robbie Savage.
“Can I just say? Cherki? He’s two-footed by the way…” said Ferdinand.
Fletcher noted that he had seen Cherki take corners with both feet during the match, which led to Ferdinand comparing the French playmaker to Nigel Quashie.
“The last person I saw do this was Nigel Quashie, he used to play for QPR, under-13s Sunday League he was taking them, both feet. It was mesmeric.”
Quashie also played for Nottingham Forest, Portsmouth, Southampton, West Brom and West Ham.
Rayan Cherki stats vs Manchester United
After playing 107 minutes, Cherki did everything he could to guide Lyon into the semi-finals but he looked like the best player – by miles – in an average pile.
Cherki scored in both legs against United to leave an impression ahead of a busy summer transfer window. He is set to leave Lyon for a bigger club and United have been long-linked with a move.
| Minutes played | 107 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Total shots | 4 |
| Chances created | 4 |
| Touches | 81 |
In terms of an audition, Cherki can be proud of his performance as plenty of United fans will be adding him to their wishlist this summer.
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