Lyon defender Moussa Niakhate has delivered a statement of intent ahead of their Europa League tie with Manchester United.
The French side will square off with Ruben Amorim’s men in the quarter final. Speaking to RMC Sport, Niakhate spoke of United’s glittering history, but reassured fans that he and his teammates wouldn’t be cowed by their surroundings.
United are the bookies’ favourite for the tournament, and are unbeaten at home in the Europa League this season. They reached the last eight after beating Real Sociedad 5-2 over two legs. Lyon booked their quarter final berth with a resounding 7-1 aggregate victory over FCSB.
Moussa Niakhate told RMC Sport: “We play football to play matches like this, against United, they’re one of the best clubs in history.
“But we’re not going there to make videos or watch Old Trafford, but to qualify. We have the squad to cause them problems. We’re here to go all the way.”
The two clubs have squared off four times in European competition. Lyon have never beaten United, securing two home draws and losing both fixtures at Old Trafford. Their most recent tie came in the 2007/08 edition of the Champions League. United won the round of 16 tie 2-1 on aggregate.
Niakhate and Lyon will continue their push for Champions League qualification via domestic competition as they face off against Le Havre on Sunday. OL are currently sixth in Ligue 1. The first leg of the Europa League quarter finals will be played on the 10th April.
