Rayan Cherki tackles Onana and his teammates after the 2-2 draw: “They particularly fear us”

The aftermath of a captivating 2-2 draw between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie was always going to be ripe for analysis and dissection. While the scoreline suggested a closely contested affair, the narrative emerging from the Lyon camp painted a picture of a team that felt they had not only matched their illustrious opponents but had perhaps even deserved more from the encounter on their home turf.

At the heart of this confident assessment was the young and talented Lyon striker, Rayan Cherki. Having etched his name onto the scoresheet with a dramatic late equalizer that salvaged a draw for his side, Cherki stepped forward after the final whistle to offer his insightful analysis of the match and, perhaps more pointedly, his interpretation of Manchester United’s tactical approach.

According to the confident Lyon frontman, the strategy employed by Manchester United throughout the first leg revealed a significant level of apprehension towards the attacking threat posed by Olympique Lyonnais. Cherki’s words, delivered with a blend of frustration and determination, suggested that he believed Manchester United had adopted a cautious approach, one that ultimately stemmed from a deep-seated respect, if not outright fear, of Lyon’s capabilities.

Despite the satisfaction of scoring the crucial equalizer in the dying moments of the game, Rayan Cherki appeared visibly frustrated as he addressed the media after the match. While acknowledging the positive aspects of his team’s performance, he firmly stated his belief that Lyon had warranted more than just a share of the spoils against a Manchester United side that many had tipped as favorites heading into the tie.

Speaking to the microphones of Canal+, Cherki articulated his sentiments with a clear conviction. “I think we deserved even better than the draw,” he asserted, his tone reflecting a sense of missed opportunity. “We played a great game, we respected the coach’s instructions.” He further emphasized the two-legged nature of the quarter-final, stating, “We know that a quarter-final is a first leg and a second leg, so we’re going to go there to win and nothing else.”

Throughout the match, Lyon showcased a commendable level of tactical organization and solidity, a factor that undeniably caused significant problems for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side. The Red Devils, known for their attacking prowess and dynamic forward players, appeared surprisingly subdued and timid in their offensive endeavors, particularly when compared to the expectations surrounding their attacking capabilities.

Rayan Cherki did not shy away from offering a candid and somewhat provocative analysis of his opponent’s strategic choices. In his assessment, the formation selected by Manchester United, which included the deployment of two holding defensive midfielders, served as irrefutable evidence that the Premier League giants were acutely aware of and wary of the attacking threat that Lyon possessed.

Cherki’s sharp judgment on Manchester United’s formation and tactical intentions highlighted a key aspect of the first leg. Ruben Amorim’s decision to anchor his midfield with a double pivot, opting for a more conservative approach, suggested a prioritization of defensive stability over outright attacking ambition in the away leg. This more defensive posture, while perhaps intended to secure a draw or a narrow loss, ultimately limited the opportunities for Manchester United’s own creative forces, including Bruno Fernandes and his fellow attackers.

Indeed, Manchester United’s star players found it challenging to penetrate the well-organized and disciplined defensive lines erected by the Lyon team. The tactical battle in midfield was a key feature of the match, with Lyon effectively disrupting Manchester United’s attempts to build cohesive attacking movements and limiting their access to dangerous areas in the final third. This tactical victory for Lyon did not go unnoticed by the confident young striker.

With the first leg concluding in a draw, the tie remains finely poised heading into the return fixture at the iconic Old Trafford. However, Rayan Cherki’s post-match comments exuded a palpable sense of confidence that Lyon could not only compete with Manchester United but could also go to their home ground and secure a memorable victory. He expressed his firm belief that Lyon had what it takes to progress to the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Looking ahead to the crucial second leg, Cherki conveyed a clear message of intent. “I hope they don’t do the same thing there,” he remarked, referring to Manchester United’s more defensive approach in the first leg. “Because we, we’re going to go there to play offensively and to prove that we have a very beautiful football.” This statement underlined Lyon’s unwavering commitment to their own attacking principles and their determination to take the game to Manchester United, even on their own patch.

With this resolute and attacking mentality, Olympique Lyonnais are gearing up to deliver a fiercely contested battle in the return leg in England. Cherki and his teammates are clearly not content with simply defending their hard-earned draw. Their ambition extends to securing a victory at Old Trafford, a feat that would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the Europa League competition. This confidence stems from the solid foundation they built with their impressive performance in the first leg.

If Lyon can replicate the same level of intensity, tactical cohesion, and collective spirit that they displayed in the first encounter, there is no doubt that they will have a genuine chance of causing an upset at Old Trafford. Manchester United, having been given a clear indication of Lyon’s tactical capabilities and attacking intent, will undoubtedly need to make significant adjustments to their own strategy if they wish to avoid seeing their European dreams shattered by a determined and confident Lyon side. The second leg promises to be a fascinating and potentially decisive encounter.