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Former Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais defender Rafael has insisted that the Premier League club are the favourites to win their Europa League quarter-final tie.

United are set to host Lyon on Thursday in the return leg following last week’s 2-2 draw at the Groupama Stadium.

The Red Devils have endured a wretched Premier League season that currently has them in 14th place in the Premier League table with just 38 points gained and six matches left to play.

The club’s top-flight campaign is a write-off at this point, with full focus on the Europa League, which not only represents a chance to win silverware but also to qualify for the Champions League.

In his press conference ahead of the clash with Lyon, Ruben Amorim stressed the significant impact Champions League qualification would have on United’s summer transfer plans. He noted that not only would the financial boost be crucial, but competing in Europe’s elite tournament would also make it much easier to attract top talent.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for United and Rafael, who lined up for both sides before he called time on his professional career, has weighed in on the situation.

According to Rafael, Lyon have the tools to hurt the Red Devils but considering the fact that Amorim’s men are at home, he fancies their chances of going through.

The 34-year-old told L’Equipe [via Get French Football News], “With the ball, I think Lyon has a better team than United.”

“They’re more technical, more intelligent. But the match takes place at Old Trafford, and United are the favourites.”

Lyon have been dealt a huge injury boost, with Malick Fofana included in the Ligue 1 outfit’s travelling squad.

The tricky forward missed the first leg due to an injury but is now available to Paul Fonseca for selection. Fofana has struck 10 goals this season.

United vs. Lyon kicks off at 20:00 BST.

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The post Ex-Man United and Olympique Lyonnais man Rafael says the English giants are “favourites” to win the tie appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The Gunners will meet PSG in the last four

Inter Milan were the last Italian team to win the Champions League back in 2010.

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has sent a message following Thierry Henry’s unwarranted and pathetic criticism on Monday night.

Yoro, who worked under Henry in the French U23 set-up, was the subject of some bizarre remarks from the former Arsenal man, who singled him out for United’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday.

Henry highlighted how Yoro instinctively glanced at the linesman after Harvey Barnes netted Newcastle’s third goal. He claimed Yoro was hoping the official would save him from the embarrassment of his poor defending.

The 47-year-old then added that he “had never seen that before.”

Unsurprisingly, Henry’s comments didn’t sit well with United fans, who rallied around Yoro and slammed Henry for his harsh critique. Sky Sports swiftly took down the clip following the backlash. Jamie Carragher, the ex-Liverpool defender who appeared alongside Henry on the show, reposted the video with four crying emojis—only to delete it shortly after, a clear indication they realised just how distasteful their actions were.

Yoro chose to respond to the scrutiny on Tuesday night in a subdued fashion.

The 19-year-old took to social media, sharing a Bible verse over an image of himself kneeling on the St James’ Park pitch—sending a clear message that he remains unbothered by the negativity.

Inscribed in French in Yoro’s post was the message, “Do not be anxious about anything, but always ask God for what you need. And when you pray, ask for it with thanksgiving.”

The United defender cited Philippians 4:6.

Leny Yoro Ig: “Do not be anxious about anything, but always ask God for what you need. And when you pray, ask for it with thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6”

— The Peoples Person (@peoplesperson.bsky.social) 2025-04-15T22:09:31.649Z

Yoro has been one of the few positives for United during what has proven to be an immensely challenging season.

The £52million summer signing has slotted perfectly to life at Old Trafford and bar the Newcastle and Southampton games, has been almost flawless.

Yoro and his teammates are back in action on Thursday when they host Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie. Kick-off is at 20:00 BST.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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The post Manchester United defender Leny Yoro fires message after pathetic Thierry Henry criticism appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Newcastle are up to third in the Premier League after thumping Crystal Palace in their game in hand.

Lautaro Martinez is on the scoresheet again as Inter beat Bayern Munich on aggregate.

Arsenal progress to the Champions League last four after victory at the Bernabeu

Arsenal retain their 3-0 advantage going into the break at the Bernabeu

A number of clubs have reportedly made enquiries to Manchester United regarding their highly-rated midfield talent, Jayce Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald joined United as a schoolboy and has steadily progressed through the youth ranks, making appearances for both the U18s and U21s last season, despite missing a significant portion of the season through injury.

The midfielder made 16 appearances and scored for the U18s last term as they won the treble. He lined up six times for the U21s.

So far this campaign, Fitzgerald has made 18 appearances across all competitions, assisting two goals in that period.

He is primarily a midfielder but can also be deployed to great effect in defence. Versatility is one of the 17-year-old’s greatest strengths and he has often drawn comparisons to Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.

Much like Fitzgerald, Busquets was capable of playing both in defence and midfield, though he favoured a central role. Widely considered one of the finest midfielders of his generation, the Spaniard set a high standard—one that United will be hoping Fitzgerald can one day match.

Now, Sam Cohen, a relatively reliable source on United news, has revealed that Fitzgerald is attracting interest from around Europe.

Cohen wrote on X, “Borussia Dortmund and a number of Dutch clubs have made initial contact over a potential loan move for Jayce Fitzgerald this summer.”

“The talented youngster is just now returning from injury and has recently resumed full training. One to watch.”

EXCLUSIVE: Borussia Dortmund and a number of Dutch clubs have made initial contact over a potential loan move for Jayce Fitzgerald this summer.

The talented youngster is just now returning from injury and has recently resumed full training. One to watch. pic.twitter.com/Jy3FIyMN4X

— Sam C (@SamC_reports) April 16, 2025

Fitzgerald has yet to make his debut for the United senior team but could do so before the end of the season if he impresses Ruben Amorim.

United’s Premier League campaign appears all but over, but it presents an opportunity for the club’s youngsters to prove themselves on the big stage, with all eyes now firmly on the Europa League.

In November last year, Fitzgerald was added to United’s Europa League ‘B’ list. Ruud van Nistelrooy was in charge at the time.

The ‘B’ list permits clubs to register an unlimited number of homegrown players under the age of 21 for UEFA competitions, with those eligible not required to be included in the restricted ‘A’ list.

Featured image Ben Roberts photo via Getty Images

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The post Borussia Dortmund among number of clubs to contact Man United for youngster Jayce Fitzgerald appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

It promises to be an enthralling encounter at the San Siro