The biggest clash of Manchester United’s season is just over a fortnight away, with hopes of Champions League football reliant on winning the Europa League.
With the campaign over domestically, Ruben Amorim is under pressure to win the Europa League in order to secure European football next season, along with a nice financial boost.
The competition is Manchester United’s only chance of salvaging the horrid season and securing Champions League football, which would prove important for this summer’s transfer window.
If United manage to bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford, it would mean a higher calibre of player could be willing to join this summer. This would expedite the rebuild United are planning under Amorim and provide a cash influx.
However, the route to winning the Europa League presents a number of difficult potential opponents such as Bilbao, Rangers and Spurs. But first, United need to overcome Lyon and their mercurial talent.
Rayan Cherki set for the biggest game of his career against Manchester United
Rayan Cherki has long been a name tipped for greatness in football, stretching back to his days as a 15-year-old.
It was back in 2019 when United had considered signing Cherki, who was just 15 at the time, as The Telegraph reported. Real Madrid was also keen at the time, but six years later, he remains at Lyon.
This means Cherki is set for the biggest game of his career against United in two weeks. He is Lyon’s main threat for United, and this season has been impressive despite some of the financial trouble the Ligue 1 side has encountered.
Rayan Cherki stats for Lyon in Ligue 1 24/25
| Stat per 90 | # | Percentile |
| Pass accuracy | 84.5% | 74th |
| Chances created | 3.45 | 100th |
| Successful crosses | 1.47 | 86th |
| Successful dribles | 2.43 | 86th |
| Touches | 74.67 | 94th |
| Tackles won | 75% | 79th |
Cherki has scored eight and assisted 18 for Lyon in all competitions, which is very impressive and positions him as a sought-after talent ahead of this summer transfer window.
So a big performance against United would absolutely do wonders for Cherki’s chances of securing a big step up this summer, maybe even impressing Jason Wilcox and Co.
Rayan Cherki would be perfect luxury player for Ruben Amorim
In January, Cherki was available for £18m, which was a figure United would surely have been tempted by, considering it would have been an absolute bargain for a player of his quality.
Cherki would fit into Amorim’s team and has the ideal traits to occupy the right No.10 slot. His latest performance will have left many impressed as he shined for France U21.
Amorim will surely be impressed by Cherki and has the chance to take him in with his own eyes when Lyon faces United in a fortnight or so.
Cherki stats vs England U21
| Stat | Vs. England U21 |
| Minutes played | 79 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Passes completed | 53/60 |
| Big chances created | 2 |
| Dribbles completed | 2/4 |
| Duels won | 4/8 |
If he plays at a similar quality, Cherki could cause United some proper problems at the back. But it could end up being an audition for a move to United if it goes well.
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