Manchester United edged out Olympique Lyonnais in an unforgettable showdown to book their place in the semi-final of the Europa League last night.
However, Lyon star Rayan Cherki stole the show with a phenomenal performance.
The 21-year-old playmaker enchanted Old Trafford with skill, vision, dribbling and creativity, He topped off a brilliant performance with a well-taken goal to spur a short-lived Lyon comeback.
Cherki won five of 11 ground duels and completed three out of six dribble attempts.
The France under-21 international was elusive for Man United every time he got on the ball, following up an equally sensational performance in France, where he was also on the scoresheet.
Cherki has recorded 12 goals and 18 assists this season, creating over 30 big chances.
He has bags of potential, and European giants keep waiting to see who will take the punt on the young talent. No one has yet to bite, even with his affordable €29 million release clause.
Nothing materialised from links with Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Crystal Palace.
However, Cherki’s performance over the two legs against Man United and his overall displays this season may prompt clubs to move for him this summer.
Chelsea and Man Utd must battle for Cherki
Cherki showed what he can do against Premier League opposition and should have the attention of clubs such as Chelsea and Man Utd that desperately need his services.
Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer is going through a slump. Cherki can take the creative burden off the overworked England international.
Man Utd can also use Cherki in one of the two supporting attacking positions in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. He would be cheaper than Xavi Simons.
The Reds have struggled to create clear-cut chances for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. He can solve that problem.
The Lyon academy graduate put to bed any questions about his pace and intensity after his performance against the Red Devils.
He is the kind of player managers should build the system around, potentially reducing their defensive workload to get maximum offensive output.
