Laurent Blanc gives verdict on Manchester United ahead of Lyon friendly

Lyon head coach Laurent Blanc has hailed Manchester United's supporters ahead of Wednesday's friendly at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

United will take to the field for the second time in their pre-season campaign with the hope of building on last Wednesday's 2-0 win over Leeds United in Oslo. The Reds made a winning start to their pre-season preparations thanks to second-half goals from Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill.

The squad that defeated Leeds was made up of a collection of senior figures and a plethora of youngsters, and manager Erik ten Hag is expected to rely on them once again against Lyon. United's collection of international stars, despite returning to Carrington over the weekend, are not expected to feature.

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Lyon will pose a very different challenge to the one Leeds offered last week, meaning it will be another good test for Ten Hag and his players. The contest will also see United go up against Blanc, who spent two years at Old Trafford between 2001 and 2003, winning one Premier League title.

Though Old Trafford was not his home for particularly long, the Frenchman has fond memories of the club and the supporters.

Blanc, as quoted by United's club website, said: "The stadium. Amazing. Stade de Reve. The Theatre of Dreams.

"It is a special atmosphere, it's always full. Whether it's for a match in the league, a cup, a friendly match - it's always full.

"They have magnificent supporters. I think playing in the full stadium was one of the highlights of my time in Manchester."

Blanc, who