Manchester United were reportedly left impressed by the performances of Lyon star Rayan Cherki during their Europa League quarter-final tie.
United are believed to be eyeing reinforcements in the attacking department ahead of the summer transfer window and Cherki’s name has repeatedly popped up, amidst suggestions that he could be available for as little as £25m.
He’s one of Lyon’s standout talents, racking up an impressive 11 goals and 18 assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. The Frenchman delivered sensational performances in both legs of the Europa League clash against United.
Cherki netted a last-minute equaliser in the first leg at the Groupama Stadium and struck again in extra time at Old Trafford, giving his side a commanding lead despite being down to 10 men. However, United staged a dramatic comeback to run out 5-4 winners on the night and 7-6 on aggregate.
But it wasn’t just his goals. He gave Patrick Dorgu a terrible time, and came up with some silky passes and footwork that caught the eye.
Now, UtdDistrict reveal what United think about Cherki after watching him against them.
“Sources informed UtdDistrict on Friday morning that many people within United were ‘really impressed’ by the performance that 21-year-old Cherki put in during his 106 minutes at Old Trafford.”
“United have always kept tabs on the French U21 international, having missed out on signing the player when he was 15 years old, just before he put pen to paper on his first professional contract with Lyon.”
UtdDistrict add that Cherki is on the club’s transfer list but the club’s interest is at an early stage. Nothing is advanced.
United are not the only party mentioned to be eyeing the 21-year-old.
He has also been linked to Arsenal, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, just to mention a few teams.
United legend Rio Ferdinand said that he thinks Cherki will end up at a big club in the summer. The six-time Premier League winner said on TNT Sports [as quoted by football.london], “I think there’s going to be clubs in for him, you look at the number of assists in the top five league in all competitions and he’s third on that list, and he’s sitting there with some good company.”
“He’s going to go to a bigger and better club than Lyon, no disrespect. I’m really interested to see when he does go does he level up?”
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
