'Rayan Cherki auditions to join Man United ahead of inevitable Lyon exit'

17/04/2025 18:12

Rayan Cherki could easily be featuring in Man United colours next season as Lyon prepare for a major Europa League quarter-final clash.

Ruben Amorim is already under immense pressure for Man United to deliver on the big stage, and with a semi-final spot in Europe on the line on Thursday, 17 April, the nerves are starting to appear.

The former Sporting CP manager will be well aware of Cherki’s talents after the 21-year-old ran the show in Lyon in the first leg, scoring an all-important equaliser in the fifth minute of added time.

Of course, Andre Onana was torn to shreds by Man United fans for his role in the goal, but it, in no way, took away from the Frenchman’s display away from home.

Rayan Cherki to leave Man United hierarchy desperate for transfer

If Amorim is to turn things around at Old Trafford, he will need support in the summer transfer window, though Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting techniques at Man United mean that could be difficult.

That is exactly why a move for 21-year-old Cherki at the end of the season makes complete sense, especially as the Red Devils lead Liverpool in the race for his signature [The Mirror].

While he is one of the most talented young players in Europe right now, Lyon’s current financial issues under John Textor mean that the player could be available for just £20million this summer.

With the likes of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund all to offload once the season ends, there should be more than enough cash to splash out on this talent.

Across all competitions, Cherki boasts 11 goals and 18 assists in 38 matches and has become a key figure for Paulo Fonseca’s side. But again, thanks to the club’s finances, it would be tough to turn down an offer.

Ruben Amorim needs backing before Man United sack

Cherki will be just one of multiple transfer targets for the Red Devils this summer, but with the youngster being given another chance to showcase his abilities, he could rocket to the top of the shopping list.

With United currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, just one place above Tottenham and the struggling Ange Postecoglou, the Europa League is likely the only thing saving the manager.

Whether or not Amorim is in charge for the 2025/26 campaign, the hierarchy is unlikely to forget one of the players who tore the team apart at Old Trafford, and could do the same again on Thursday night.

While Liverpool also being interested could throw a spanner in the works, some players just cannot be dragged away from the Theatre of Dreams, especially after nearly making the move a few years ago.

So often those who do major damage to a club cross the divide to subsequently join them, and Cherki could be another with a star turn in Manchester.

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