Lyon sensation Rayan Cherki did not hold back in his post-match interview after scoring a late equaliser against Manchester United in the Europa League.
Manchester United drew 2-2 against Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final, which means it’s all to play for between the two teams at Old Trafford next week.
Ruben Amorim’s side were the better team throughout and perhaps deserved to take more from the game.
United would have returned from Lyon with a winning advantage had it not been for Andre Onana’s mistakes that gifted two goals to the French outfit. The first error saw Thiago Almada’s cross evade everyone in the box, including the Red Devils goalkeeper.
It got worse for Onana when he parried the ball directly into the path of Lyon starlet Rayan Cherki in the dying moments of the match.
Although Amorim defended Onana in his post-match interviews, there’s little doubt he will be furious with the situation United are in despite playing better than Lyon.
Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Sports Press Photo/Getty ImagesRayan Cherki references Andre Onana’s comments in post-match reaction
Rayan Cherki has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, so last night must have felt like an audition for the French playmaker.
The 21-year-old produced a solid performance against United and was quick to react to Onana’s last-minute howler.
Rayan Cherki stats vs Manchester United
Speaking to French media, Cherki gave his verdict on the game and stressed that Lyon will “attack” when they visit Old Trafford next week.
The French youth international also made reference to Onana’s controversial pre-match comments by claiming Lyon were the better team on the night, even though many will disagree with that statement.
“We were much better than them,” Cherki said in a blatant dig at Onana.
“We know they are a good team, but we have never been afraid of them and we will never be afraid of them.
“In the second leg we will go there to attack.”
Rayan Cherki après OL-Manchester United : « On a fait un match plein (…) On a été bien meilleurs qu’eux. (…) On sait que c’est une belle équipe mais on a jamais eu peur d’eux et on aura jamais peur d’eux. (…) On ira là-bas pour attaquer. » @footmercato pic.twitter.com/t6HV3vGa0s
— Chemssdine Belgacem (@ChemssBelgacem) April 10, 2025
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Latest rumours linking Rayan Cherki to Manchester United
Lyon starlet Rayan Cherki will be happy with his audition on Thursday night, after scoring an important equaliser to keep his side in the tie.
It came as a blow for United but at least Amorim had the chance to watch a transfer target up close – and Cherki will get to experience Old Trafford for the first time next week.
The latest reports suggest United could sign Cherki for £25 million after initially expressing an interest in the playmaker when he was 15-years-old.
Real Madrid are stepping aside in the race to sign Cherki, which could give United a free run at securing his signature.