Confirmed XI: Amorim selects his XI to face Lyon; Hojlund leading the line in poor form? Casemiro & Ugarte in midfield? Maguire back in defence?

Manchester United return to UEFA Europa League action on Thursday evening at Old Trafford knowing that if they play in the manner they did against Newcastle United on Sunday, they will be out of the European competition this season and not likely to play in Europe again until the season after next.

United were defeated by Newcastle in a 4-1 humiliation, despite coming back from 1-0 down to level at 1-1 eight minutes before the end of the first half. United then conceded another goal four minutes into the second half, shipping two more before the end of the match. A humiliation at the wee club in the North East.

Lyon returned to winning ways against Auxerre at the weekend, winning 3-1 after the 2-2 draw against United last week, which places this Europa League showdown at the Theatre of Dreams on Thursday evening with United needing to pull a result out of the bag so they reach the semi finals stage of the competition this season.

Manchester United

Onana;

Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro;

Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu;

Garnacho, Fernandes;

Hojlund

Substitutes

Bayındır, Heaton, Amass, Kamason, Kukonki, Lindelöf, Shaw, Eriksen, Mainoo, Moorhouse, Mount

Olympique Lyonnais

Perri;

Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhaté, Tagliafico;

Tolisso, Akouokou, Veretout;

Cherki, Almada;

Mikautadze

Substitutes

Deschamps, Diarra, Abner, Kumbedi, Omari, Caleta-Car, Tessmann, Matic, Lacazette, Fifana

United and Lyon have met five times in European football now with United winning twice and drawing three times – never losing against the French club. United will need to get that third win on the board on Thursday evening as their season and participation in Europe could still be on the cards next season – it is United’s only hope.

United did not do well against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday, losing 4-1 despite it being 1-1 at half time. United capitulated which resulted in questions from the manager for the players, who seem to be terrible this season – which says a lot. You can change the manager but the same thing happens all of the time.

United will need to get on the front foot an ensure that this match puts them in the driving seat. They are unbeaten in the Europa League this season – in 11 matches so far with a possible four to play if they reach the final. It all depends on which ‘United’ turn up though as if the same team on Sunday plays, it will be curtains for United.

Written by Paul