Forget Matheus Cunha - Man Utd will surely bid for assist machine who terrorised them this season: opinion

Manchester United dramatically secured their place in the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday night as they scored three goals in seven minutes to beat Ligue 1 side Lyon 7-6 on aggregate.

The French outfit led 4-2 on the night and 6-4 on aggregate after scoring twice in extra time with 10 men. However, the Red Devils roared back as Bruno Fernandes equalised from the penalty spot before Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire scored twice in as many minutes to blow the roof off Old Trafford.

Winning the Europa League could have huge ramifications for United heading into the summer window. The prize money plus the associated revenue boost from qualifying for the Champions League will make it easier for the Red Devils to land their transfer targets as they will have more money available as well as the added lure of Champions League football.

Manchester World understands that the Red Devils are planning for next season with the anticipation of no European football. They are looking to trim the squad and can finance one or two signings without sales.

Rayan Cherki offer should be no brainer for Man United

While United have no guarantee of European football next season, one player they will likely be able to afford regardless of their success in the Europa League is Lyon star Rayan Cherki. The Red Devils previously targeted him when he was still a teenager and according to the Daily Mail they are eyeing him ahead of the summer. Rivals Liverpool have also been credited with an interest.

Recent reports have claimed he will be available for just £20m come the summer. The reason behind his cut-price fee is two-fold. Cherki only has one year remaining on his contract at Lyon come the summer and the French club are facing a tough financial situation. They have been provisionally relegated to Ligue 2 and must clear more of their debt to avoid the financial body of French football from ratifying their relegation. It means Lyon’s hands could be tied if United were to bid for him.

Given his price tag coupled with United’s own financial situation - the Red Devils simply must put forward a £20m offer for the Frenchman come the summer.

Rayan Cherki terrorised Man United in Europa League quarter final

Cherki scored in both legs against United, with the Lyon star doing his part as he tried to inspire his into the semi-finals. The 21-year-old has a remarkable 18 assists in 39 games this season, along with 12 goals. It makes a total of 30 goal contributions in 39 games. The winger impressed with his general play at Old Trafford and almost scored an incredible goal as he ran through the hosts’ defence only to be denied by Andre Onana.

United have been linked with Matheus Cunha ahead of the summer but he has a release clause of £62.5m in his contract at Wolves and the Molineux outfit are unlikely to let him go for anything below that figure.

While Cherki has not proven himself in the Premier League, he only turns 22 in August and still has his best years ahead of him. Even if the Red Devils do not get a deal over the line, they must at least make an offer to test Lyon’s resolve. A lack of goals has been an issue for United, and Cherki could certainly help them in that department while being a cost-effective addition compared to Cunha who would cost over three times as much.