Manchester United will return to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final with plenty to prove, after being held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Lyon in France.
Despite moments of brilliance, defensive frailties and individual errors cost them a potential victory, leaving their European aspirations hanging in the balance.
The match was once again marred by a questionable performance from United’s goalkeeper, André Onana. Just a day after boldly claiming that United were “far superior” to their French opponents, the Cameroonian shot-stopper failed to back up his words on the pitch.
His mishandling of a relatively tame effort from Thiago Almada in the first half handed Lyon an unexpected lead, sparking criticism and drawing renewed attention to pre-match remarks from former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who controversially described Onana as “one of the worst goalkeepers” in recent club history.
Despite the setback, United responded positively. Young defender Leny Yoro, making only his fifth start for the senior team, rose to the occasion and netted his debut goal just before the half-time whistle—an important equaliser that shifted momentum back in the visitors’ favour.
The second half saw both teams pressing for an advantage, but it was United who looked set to snatch a vital away win. In the 88th minute, substitute Joshua Zirkzee climbed above the Lyon defence to head home a precise cross from Bruno Fernandes, following an energetic run by Kobbie Mainoo. The goal appeared to have sealed the result for the Red Devils.
However, in a cruel twist during added time, United’s earlier heroics were undone. A low-driven shot from Corentin Tolisso was spilled by Onana, allowing Lyon’s Rayan Cherki to pounce and fire in the equaliser, sending the home crowd into raptures and deflating the visiting side.
With the tie now finely poised, Manchester United will need a strong and composed performance in the return leg at Old Trafford to keep their European journey alive. Manager Ruben Amorim, visibly frustrated at the full-time whistle, acknowledged that his side had let a crucial advantage slip away and urged his players to respond with more discipline and focus on home soil.
The spotlight will undoubtedly remain on Onana, whose inconsistency continues to undermine United’s progress. The second leg promises to be a tense affair, with everything still to play for and Champions League qualification on the line.
