Manchester United target Rayan Cherki just experienced Old Trafford at it’s very best.
Despite trailing by two goals in extra time, Manchester United beat Lyon 5-4 in the Europa League to book their spot in the semi-finals.
In a chaotic seven-minute spell, United scored three goals to complete a spine-tingling comeback with Harry Maguire scoring a dramatic winner after being pushed up front by Ruben Amorim.
United’s £25m target Rayan Cherki starred for the visitors, who built a lead in extra time despite being reduced to 10-men after Corentin Tolisso’s controversial red card.
Rio Ferdinand raves about incredible Rayan Cherki trait
Cherki scored against United in the first leg so Amorim was well aware that he needed to be kept quiet at Old Trafford.
However, Cherki has been described as a “wizard” by his teammates and he almost produced a moment of magic in the first half when he weaved through United’s defence only for his shot to be stopped by Andre Onana.
Cherki eventually found the back of the net in extra time with a low-driven shot that gave Lyon a 3-2 lead.
But it was well before his goal that Cherki caught Rio Ferdinand’s eye for something he did at Old Trafford.
In the first half, Cherki lined up to take a corner from Lyon on the left just moments after taking one from the right… on a different foot.
It was picked up by Ferdinand on commentary for TNT Sports, with the United legend saying “Wow what a talent by the way, Cherki is taking corners with both feet.”
Rayan Cherki is a set-piece master
Earlier this season, Amorim urged United to improve at set pieces with his side conceding far too many and struggling to score from dead-ball situations.
United have rotated between different corner takers this season with Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo often stepping up to take them.
But if United signed Cherki this summer, there is no doubt he would take control of corner-taking duties.
The French midfielder is incredibly gifted with both feet, and taking corners from both sides has become a bit of a trademark in his playing style.
With 18 assists to his name across all competitions this season, it is evident that Cherki’s final pass is sublime.
United have often lacked creativity and service to Rasmus Hojlund this season, with a lot of responsibility put on the shoulders of Bruno Fernandes to unlock defences.
Cherki’s corner-taking abilities simply adds another string to his bow, and adds another reason why Ineos might be tempted to make a move for the Lyon star.
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