There is no sugarcoating this United season - finishing in the bottom half of the league table is inexcusable for a club of this size. Not to mention, this is the first impression INEOS' sporting heads have been able to have on fans, and while grace will be given, the difficult summer transfer window and the lack of decisiveness with regards to Ten Hag have been rather testing.
However, Thursday's game between Lyon vs Man United represents an opportunity to rectify those mistakes. A chance to restart with the fanbase and lead this club back to its former glory. United did well to get past Real Sociedad with an inspired performance in the second leg. They will, however, need to work harder against an impressive Lyon side.
Ruben Amorim simply cannot afford to lose Lyon vs Man United
Highlighted by Rayan Chekri, this Lyon side sits 5th in Ligue 1, winning 4 of their last 5 matches. They play a fast, athletic style of football that will be difficult to contain. It is of particular worry in the midfield, where a Bruno-Casemiro pivot may be overwhlemed physically and lead to United being hemmed in.
However, Lyon is not the most defensively stout team, allowing 38 goals in their league campaign so far. There will be chances to be taken advantage of, and it will be up to the attackers to make sure to take those opportunities.
In terms of X-Factors, Bruno Fernandes stands out as the most important player for United. As he has done all season, Bruno will need to be on his game to connect the dots in midfield. Beyond that, players like Hojlund and Garnacho need to be efficient. They need to put their seasons behind them and put on impressive displays.
While it is doubtful Amorim will use any youth players in a game of this magnitude, two players do stand out in the matchday squad: Jack Moorehouse and Jaydan Kamason. Both players have shone in the youth set-up this season and possess traits that are lacking in the senior squad, namely ball-carrying and crossing ability.
Without Amad available, Amorim may opt to use Kamason in the RWB role to provide more of an attacking threat than Diogo Dalot has. He also may use Moorehouse over Eriksen in a substitution opportunity, taking advantage of the 19-year-old's pace and energetic football.
A win on Thursday could be monumental in the narrative of the season. It sets up a home game with the Old Trafford faithful, easing the burden on the players. It also gives Amorim breathing space and time to prepare the squad for the rounds ahead and generally gives the club momentum.
It is the first step in a Europa League win, which truly could signal a return to form for United. It will certainly help with the financial burden from previous transfer windows and will convince players, such as Liam Delap, to believe in INEOS' project.
Thursday's game is a major challenge in the season and could be the inflection point for the club's near future. So, let's go out and support the players. GGMU.