Man Utd news: Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca on Europa League tie

Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca is bracing himself for Manchester United’s “best performance of the season” at Old Trafford on Thursday.

United face the Ligue 1 side in the Europa League quarter-final second-leg knowing victory is essential if they are to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

In what has been a desperate campaign domestically, United have already lost at home to Crystal Palace, Brighton, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest amongst others. In addition, they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham on penalties at Old Trafford.

However, Fonseca is not reading too much into those results.

He knows United’s season is hanging in the balance and is expecting a highly motivated opponent.

“I expect Manchester United’s strongest performance of the season,” he said.

“They are a big team and a big club. True, in the Premier League they are not what they were. It has been a bit different, but in the Europa League they have put in some good performances and have a lot of individual skills.

“I expect to be playing against the best United there is. It is a decisive moment for Manchester United. They will be super motivated for the match.”