Manchester United’s Keeper Faces Lyon Backlash as Late Equalizer Leaves Tie Poised for Decisive Second Leg”
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim stood by goalkeeper Andre Onana after his two mistakes cost the team in a tense 2-2 draw against Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
Onana, already under fire after a pre-match spat with former United midfielder Nemanja Matic—who labeled him “one of the worst” keepers in the club’s history—endured a difficult night in France. Lyon fans jeered him relentlessly, and his weak attempt to stop Thiago Almada’s free-kick handed the hosts an early lead.
United fought back with goals from young defender Leny Yoro and striker Joshua Zirkzee, but Onana’s late blunder allowed Rayan Cherki to snatch a dramatic equalizer at the death.
“Mistakes can happen,” Amorim said afterward. “If you play football—and we play a lot—you’re going to make errors. Right now, there’s nothing I can say to Andre that will help. We have one more game to turn things around, and that’s where our focus has to be.”
The late goal left United’s dressing room in somber silence, with Amorim admitting his players were crushed. “The team is hurting,” he said. “But drawing away in Europe is always tough. We need to bounce back.”
With the Europa League now United’s only path to next season’s Champions League—and the financial rewards that come with it—the second leg at Old Trafford becomes a season-defining moment.
Amorim remains optimistic, calling the tie “50-50” and emphasizing home advantage: “When we play in front of our fans, it’s like having an extra player.”
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Yoro, who scored his first United goal, believes the team can finish the job. “Away matches like this are crucial,” he said. “We wanted the win, but we’ll give everything at home.”
Lyon’s Cherki, however, sent a warning to United: “We deserved more tonight. From the start, we could sense their fear. Now, we’re going there to win.”
The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown next week—with Onana and United under pressure to respond.
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