United are unbeaten in Europe this season, but let’s not pretend they’ve been convincing. Sunday’s derby was a crime against football – a nil-nil stinkfest that reeked of fear and tactical constipation. Amorim says fans shouldn’t expect fireworks… but we’re expecting fouls, bookings, and enough petulance to fuel a thousand BetBuilders.
Lyon, to be fair, come in swinging. Seven wins in their last ten, 19 goals scored, and Rayan Cherki looking like a man possessed. But with Nuamah and Fofana crocked, and Matic back at Old Trafford with his walking stick, the French side are patched up and punching above their weight.
United are a mess. Lyon are chaos. Which is exactly why we’re watching. Let’s get filthy.
AMN’s recent foul stats: 2,1,2,0,1,1 – nothing outrageous, but Dorgu and Garnachos relentless forward runs demand attention. One bad touch, and it’s a tactical tug or desperate lunge. He’ll be shadowing Garnacho mainly, who’s drawn 12 fouls in his last 7 games, with Dorgu also busy in the same areas.
Unpredictable, aggressive, and erratic off the ball. His foul stats are chaotic (but good for this market): 1,2,0,0,2,3,0,1,0,2,2,0,2,0,2. Operating on the right wing, he’ll be up against the fouliest full-back in Europe right now: Patrick Dorgu. The £25m signing has been fouled 21 times in his last 8. Cherki loves a lazy trackback and a shove when he’s lost – exactly what we want.
Certified Foul Club legend. This guy’s basically allergic to staying on his feet – fouled in 12 of his last 13 starts, including multiple games with 2+ or even 3 fouls. He’ll be dealing with Mikautadze (fouled 1.41 per 90) and Tolisso, who’s a foul magnet (3,4,1,1,0,7,3,1,1,4…). Two magnets, one foul-happy Moroccan – done deal.Noussair Mazraoui