Manchester United’s Away End Wasn’t Full at Kick-Off vs Lyon

Thousands of Manchester United fans were absent for the kick-off of their clash against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final. The Red Devils made their return to the French city for a clash that had become highly anticipated, thanks in part to the war of words between Andre Onana and Nemanja Matic in the lead-up to the contest.

Ruben Amorim and his team would’ve been hoping to have the away fans — who have previously been ranked among the best in the Premier League — cheering them on from the first whistle in what was set to be a hostile atmosphere. However, the away end was largely empty as kick-off approached, and the reason why has now been revealed.

Related

Today in Football – Things You May Have Missed

Social media snippets from around the world of football.

Lack of Man United Fans in Lyon Explained

Transport issues led to many supporters arriving late

According to a report from the Manchester Evening News, travel to the Groupama Stadium was impacted as public transport chaos hit Lyon this evening as a major failure on the city’s Metro network left thousands of fans stranded. In a last-minute scramble, local authorities rushed to deploy replacement bus services in an effort to get supporters to the stadium before kick-off. The stand was eventually filled by the 15th minute, with TNT commentator Darren Fletcher confirming that to be the case.

A message was sent to supporters by the club saying “We have been made aware of a general Metro breakdown across the city. Buses have been made available at Place Bellecour (Grand Poste side) to take supporters directly to Eurexpo for wristband collection.”

The disruption only adds to the frustration that United fans were facing ahead of the game, as club officials also instructed travelling fans to gather at the Eurexpo complex, located well outside central Lyon, where they must board designated shuttle buses to reach the Groupama Stadium for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

Club representatives have acknowledged the disruption, issuing an apology for the logistical headache, while the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) criticised the approach as overly strict and unnecessary. Only those who present their match ticket at the designated location will receive a wristband granting access to both the transport and the stadium itself.

Related

Manchester United Force Fan, 81, to Give Up Seat After 45 Years

The Red Devils’ leadership is intensifying their campaign of disenfranchisement over the Old Trafford faithful.

Fans who attempt to make their own way to the venue — regardless of having a valid ticket — will reportedly be turned away. The strict process has frustrated many of the travelling support, who will miss the opportunity to soak up the culture and atmosphere of Lyon’s historic centre, a ritual that often defines European away days.

All statistics courtesy of 11v11 – accurate as of 10/04/2025.