2 weeks Ago By Dale O'Donnell
Ruben Amorim has issued a rallying message to everyone connected with Manchester United ahead of a crucial Europa League tie against Lyon.After Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Lyon last week, the second leg is set to take place at Old Trafford, with the winner securing a spot in the Europa League semi-final against either Rangers or Athletic Bilbao.A defeat for United would put an end to United’s miserable season because Ruben Amorim’s side sit 14th in the Premier League, with little prospect of pushing up toward the top 10, never mind any of the European spots.
That explains why winning the Europa League is United’s priority for the remainder of the season. It would grant the Reds a route back into the Champions League next season.So, with nothing else to play for this season, United need to ensure they beat Lyon on Thursday night.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesRuben Amorim ready to a big European night at Old TraffordUnited had a few days to prepare to face Lyon, after losing 4-1 to Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday.It wasn’t the result United wanted against the Magpies but the focus was always on beating Lyon in the Europa League.In his pre-match programme notes, Amorim has chosen to address everyone connected to the club ahead of the match.
The United head coach wants everyone to give everything on the pitch, stands and afar to give the team every possible chance to get the desired result.“Get ready to give everything,” Amorim started his rallying call in the printed edition of United Review. “That is my only message to everybody involved with Manchester United ahead of tonight’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final decider.
“Last Sunday, we were naturally disappointed by the nature of our Premier League defeat at Newcastle, but that is the past, and since Monday we have focused entirely on what we need to do tonight.“As we welcome Paulo Fonseca and Lyon to Old Trafford this evening, we all know what is at stake. The tie is currently level, so we have to win the progress, and to do that we will have to play well against a strong opponent.
“We must play with our hearts and our heads, but that applies to the players, staff and supporters. The advantage of being at home tonight is that we have the incredible weapon of a packed Old Trafford on our side, and that can make a huge difference for us.“This competition represents an opportunity for us to take something positive from a different season.
There are two huge rewards on offer: the UEFA Europa League trophy and the chance to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.“Those are prizes worth fighting for. But, tonight, we cannot look beyond the immediate challenge of beating Lyon, so we must all give everything we’ve got to reach the semi-finals.
”Only a small thing but good on Ruben Amorim for spending 15 minutes after training with #MUFC fans. There were a lot of picture & autograph requests with it being the Easter holidays pic.twitter.
com/jvyAc0uGmo— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) April 16, 2025 Amorim record in the Europa League at Man UtdDespite being appointed United head coach in November, Amorim has an impressive record in the Europa League this season.United’s record speaks for itself as they haven’t suffered defeat in the competition since 2023.This season Amorim has managed six wins and three draws in the Europa League and he is looking to get United’s unbeaten run alive against Lyon.
After making light work of Real Sociedad at Old Trafford in the previous round, United are expecting a much bigger contest this time around, with former right-back Rafael da Silva warning that Lyon are a better side..
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