Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign has been turbulent, with struggles in the Premier League putting their European future in serious doubt. As things stand, their only realistic path to European football next season is through the UEFA Europa League. Winning this tournament would secure them an automatic place in next season’s UEFA Champions League group stage.
With that in mind, let’s analyze Manchester United’s Europa League journey so far, their upcoming quarter-final tie against Lyon, and the challenges they will face if they are to lift the trophy.
Manchester United’s Europa League Campaign So Far
This season saw a major change in the Europa League’s format. UEFA replaced the traditional group stage with a league phase, featuring 36 teams, each playing eight matches (four home, four away) against different opponents.
League Phase Performance
Manchester United remained unbeaten throughout the league phase, finishing with 18 points (5 wins, 3 draws). Their strong finish secured a top-8 placement, allowing them to bypass the play-off round and qualify directly for the Round of 16.
Key League Phase Results:
- Twente (H) – 1–1 draw (slow start)
- Porto (A) – 3–3 draw (late comeback with Maguire’s equalizer)
- Fenerbahçe (A) – 1–1 draw (hard-fought point)
- PAOK (H) – 2–0 win (first victory)
- Bodø/Glimt (H) – 3–2 win (high-scoring battle)
- Viktoria Plzeň (A) – 2–1 win (away resilience)
- Rangers (H) – 2–1 win (Fernandes’ late winner)
- FCSB (A) – 2–0 win (secured unbeaten status)
United’s solid performances saw them finish 3rd out of 36 teams, ensuring automatic progression to the Round of 16.
Round of 16 – Manchester United vs. Real Sociedad
Skipping the knockout play-off round, United faced Real Sociedad in the Round of 16.
- First Leg (Away): A 1–1 draw in San Sebastián kept the tie finely balanced.
- Second Leg (Home): United delivered a dominant 4–1 victory, winning 5–2 on aggregate.
Key Performers:
- Bruno Fernandes: Scored a hat-trick in the second leg.
- Casemiro: Controlled midfield battle.
United’s emphatic win confirmed their quarter-final spot, keeping their European hopes alive.
Quarter-Final: Manchester United vs. Lyon
United now face Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Match Details:
- First Leg (Away): April 10, 2025 – Parc Olympique Lyonnais, France
- Second Leg (Home): April 17, 2025 – Old Trafford, England
Lyon’s Europa League Journey
Lyon finished 6th in the league phase (15 points) and then thrashed FCSB 7–1 on aggregate in the Round of 16. They are a dangerous side, with a strong attacking setup, and will pose a significant challenge to United.
Tactical Analysis & Predictions
- United’s Strengths:
- Home advantage in the second leg.
- Bruno Fernandes in excellent form.
- Experience in high-stakes European games.
- Lyon’s Strengths:
- Free-scoring team (16 goals in the league phase).
- Strong midfield control.
- Dangerous on the counterattack.
Prediction: United are slight favorites but must be wary of Lyon’s attacking threat. If they can secure a draw or a narrow win away, they should be able to finish the job at Old Trafford.
What Happens If United Wins? Their Road to the Final
Should United overcome Lyon, they will be just two matches away from the Europa League final. The remaining teams in the quarter-finals include:
- Athletic Club (Bilbao) – The final will be hosted in Bilbao, meaning Athletic will have a huge incentive to reach it.
- Rangers – A potential semi-final opponent, dangerous in high-intensity games.
- Tottenham Hotspur – One of the favorites, and a possible all-English final opponent.
- Eintracht Frankfurt – A past winner, with strong European experience.
- Lazio – Finished top of the league phase, known for defensive solidity.
- Bodø/Glimt – Surprise package, playing with nothing to lose.
Possible Semi-Final Opponents:
If United defeat Lyon, they will face the winner of Athletic Club vs. Rangers in the semi-finals.
Europa League Final – May 2025, San Mamés, Bilbao
If United reach the final, they will likely face Tottenham, Lazio, or Eintracht Frankfurt.
Why the Europa League is Vital for United
Manchester United’s Premier League struggles mean that winning the Europa League is now their only realistic path to European football next season.
Why?
- They currently sit 14th in the Premier League, far outside the top six.
- The top four qualify for the Champions League (United won’t make it).
- The 5th and 6th places qualify for the Europa League (unlikely for United).
- The 7th place might get the Europa Conference League (but even that seems difficult).
Europa League = Champions League Qualification
If United win the Europa League, they automatically qualify for the Champions League group stage next season, regardless of their Premier League finish.
This would:
- Save their season by ensuring top-level European football.
- Boost finances with Champions League revenue.
- Help attract top players in the transfer window.
- Provide Amorim with job security (if he’s still in charge).
Challenges United Must Overcome
1. Defensive Stability
- United have conceded too many goals in key matches. They must tighten up against top opposition.
2. Injury Management
- With a congested fixture list, squad rotation will be crucial.
3. Handling Pressure
- The Europa League is now their only chance at Europe next season – a lot is riding on these matches.
4. Tactical Flexibility
- United must adapt against different playing styles – defensive teams like Lazio, attacking sides like Lyon, and counter-pressing teams like Frankfurt.
Conclusion: Can Manchester United Win the Europa League?
Yes, but it won’t be easy. United have a strong squad and are playing well in Europe, but the competition is fierce.
If they beat Lyon, they will face even tougher opponents in the semi-finals and final. However, with their rich European history, home advantage in key games, and Bruno Fernandes leading the charge, they have a real chance.
For Manchester United, this tournament is not just about winning a trophy – it’s about securing their future in European football. Anything less, and they risk missing out on continental competition entirely, a scenario that would be disastrous for the club.
Verdict: United are among the favorites but must be at their best to lift the trophy. Their fate is in their hands.
