Goalkeeper André Onana endured a difficult night, making errors that led to both goals as Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday. A stoppage-time equalizer from Rayan Cherki leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.
The build-up to the match was dominated by comments from Lyon midfielder and former United player Nemanja Matić, who had labelled Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers” in United’s history. Onana, booed by the home fans at the Groupama Stadium, came under scrutiny when Lyon took the lead in the 25th minute. He failed to get a strong enough hand to Thiago Almada’s wide free-kick, allowing the ball to skid into the net.
United responded well and equalized just before halftime. Leny Yoro reacted quickest to divert Manuel Ugarte’s volley into the bottom corner for his first goal for the club.
Despite creating several chances – Rasmus Højlund skewed wide, Bruno Fernandes had a shot deflected over, Alejandro Garnacho forced a save, and Casemiro headed wide – United struggled for a clinical edge, a recurring theme this season.
Substitute Joshua Zirkzee appeared to have won it for the visitors in the 88th minute, heading home Bruno Fernandes’ looping cross.
However, in the final moments of stoppage time, Onana spilled a shot from Georges Mikautadze straight into the path of Cherki, who tapped in the rebound to snatch a draw for Lyon. Since the start of last season, Onana has now made eight errors leading to goals in all competitions, reportedly the most of any goalkeeper playing for a Premier League club.
The draw represents a missed opportunity for United, who know winning the Europa League is likely their only route into next season’s Champions League given their 13th place position in the Premier League. Manager Ruben Amorim will be concerned by both the goalkeeping errors and the continued lack of ruthlessness from his forwards Højlund and Garnacho. The return of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo from injury as a late substitute provided a small positive on a frustrating night.
The second leg takes place at Old Trafford next Thursday, April 17th.
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