A video of Lyon attacker Rayan Cherki grabbing his crotch in the direction of Manchester United supporters during Thursday’s Europa League clash has surfaced on social media. The 21-year-old played a starring role in the chaotic quarter-final tie and has been linked with a potential summer switch to Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim eyes attacking upgrades.
According to the Daily Mail, United are among the European heavyweights circling Cherki amid a sensational season. He has plundered 12 goals and provided a further 18 assists in 39 appearances in all competitions, launching himself into the centre of blockbuster transfer speculation. Cherki reportedly has a £25million release clause in his Lyon contract, marking him as one of the biggest potential bargains of the summer transfer window.
The France Under-23 international’s exploits across the two legs would have only strengthened United’s touted interest.
He rounded off a menacing performance to dink a last-gasp equaliser past Andre Onana in the first meeting at Lyon.
Cherki then silenced Old Trafford with a devastating touch and finish to make it 3-2 and complete a stunning comeback in extra-time.
But the talented forward’s actions after his strike didn’t help defuse lingering concerns about his discipline, which has reportedly previously prevented a marquee move.
In a video uploaded onto TikTok, Cherki appears to be making his way back to the Lyon half after celebrating his dagger of a goal while punching the air.
He then proceeds to clutch and shake his crotch while smiling at shellshocked United fans, sparking understandable outrage online.
Amorim will be desperate to upgrade his attacking firepower this summer after almost surviving a nightmare first season of his rebuild.
United are desperately short of goals and reportedly want to sign a versatile attacker on top of a striker, the club’s transfer priority.
However, the Red Devils’ budget will largely depend on whether Amorim can guide them into next season’s Champions League by winning the Europa League.
Amid concerns about a restricted budget, Cherki represents an attractive talent at an affordable price and his performances against United saw his stock soar.
Yet, Amorim recruiting the right characters for his dressing room is just as important as quality as he bids to shake up the club’s culture.
And Cherki’s actions at Old Trafford represent a red flag that has already fractured his relationship with some United supporters.
But if the starlet continues on the same trajectory between now and the season’s conclusion, he could be a difficult option to ignore.
