By Guest 
Following Manchester United’s thrilling 5-4 Europa League victory over Olympique Lyonnais, one name is lighting up social media: Rayan Cherki.
The 21-year-old Lyon playmaker dazzled with his flair, scoring a crucial goal and showcasing the kind of creativity that has United fans dreaming of a blockbuster summer transfer. A now-viral X post from @Utd_Forever7, which has garnered thousands of interactions, captures the sentiment perfectly: “Don’t you dare let the guy catch the plane without his signature! BRING HIM TO OLD TRAFFORD!”
Man United Fans Go Wild for Cherki
Cherki, whose contract with Lyon runs until 2026, has long been tipped for stardom. His performance—marked by silky dribbles, pinpoint passes, and a cool-headed finish—has reignited calls for United to secure his signature, with reports suggesting a €25 million deal could be enough to lure him to the Premier League.
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Supporters see him as the missing spark in Ruben Amorim’s squad, potentially filling the No. 10 role behind the striker. “He’s got that Bruno Fernandes magic but with extra flair,” one fan commented, while another boldly claimed, “Cherki could be our answer to De Bruyne.”
But not everyone’s convinced. Some fans on X argue Cherki’s lightweight frame and inconsistent work rate might struggle against the Premier League’s physicality. “He looked good against us, but Dalot made him seem like Messi,” quipped @UTD_INEOS_ERA.
Others point to Lyon teammate Yahia Fofana as a more practical target, citing United’s defensive frailties. The debate has split the fanbase, with posts ranging from fervent petitions to skeptical takedowns flooding timelines.
Transfer rumors aren’t new for Cherki, who’s previously been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea. ESPN reported on April 13 that United are “leading the race” for the France U21 star, and with Amorim reportedly backed by a £200 million budget (Sky Sports), the funds could be there. Yet, Lyon’s reluctance to lose their academy gem and Cherki’s own comments about loving his boyhood club add layers of complexity.
As the summer window looms, one thing’s clear: Cherki’s name is trending, and United fans are watching closely. Will he be the next Red Devil to light up Old Trafford, or just another flash in the pan?