Manchester United were denied a big away victory in our Europa League quarter-final as Lyon snatched a dramatic late equaliser at the Groupama Stadium.
The 2-2 draw leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of next Thursday’s second leg at Old Trafford.
United looked to have secured a precious advantage when substitute Joshua Zirkzee headed home Bruno Fernandes’ cross in the 88th minute, only for Rayan Cherki to level in the fifth minute of stoppage time after Andre Onana spilled Georges Mikautadze’s shot.
Onana errors prove costly
The spotlight was firmly on United goalkeeper Andre Onana before kick-off following former United midfielder Nemanja Matic’s comments labeling him “one of the worst keepers” in the club’s history. The Cameroonian did little to silence his critics with two big errors.
Lyon took the lead after 25 minutes when Onana failed to deal with Thiago Almada’s free-kick, getting a hand to the ball but unable to keep it out as it skidded through his grasp and into the net.
More damaging was his late mistake when, in the 95th minute with victory seemingly secured, he spilled Mikautadze’s powerful but straightforward shot straight into the path of Cherki, who couldn’t miss from close range.
These errors mean Onana has now made eight mistakes leading directly to goals since the start of last season – the most of any goalkeeper playing for a Premier League club.
United show resilience but finishing remains problematic
Despite falling behind, United responded well and equalised deep in first-half stoppage time when Leny Yoro reacted quickly to turn in Manuel Ugarte’s volley for his first goal for the club.
In an evenly contested match, United carved out several opportunities but were hampered by poor finishing – a recurring theme this season. Rasmus Hojlund, who has now scored just once in his last 25 appearances, skewed a good chance wide in the first half, while Alejandro Garnacho had a strike tipped over.
The visitors thought they had won it when Zirkzee, introduced as a substitute for Hojlund after 63 minutes, headed home Bruno Fernandes’ pinpoint chipped cross. But Lyon’s late equalizer means everything remains to play for in the return leg.
Mainoo returns but United remain inconsistent
There was positive news for United with Kobbie Mainoo making his return from the bench following a two-month absence with a muscle injury, though he did pick up a yellow card in the closing stages. There was game time for Mason Mount too, who looked sharp.
For manager Ruben Amorim, this result continues a pattern of inconsistency that has plagued United’s season. Having followed up a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad with this draw, United remain frustratingly unpredictable.
With the Reds sitting 13th in the Premier League, winning the Europa League is our only route back to Champions League football. While a draw away from home against a strong Lyon side isn’t a disastrous result, the manner of the late equaliser will feel like a missed opportunity.
Player Ratings & MOTM
Andre Onana: 3/10 – Two costly errors that directly led to goals overshadowed any positive contributions
Leny Yoro: 7.5/10 & MOTM – Scored his first United goal and generally looked assured in defence
Harry Maguire: 6/10 – Solid if unspectacular before being replaced by Lindelof
Noussair Mazraoui: 6.5/10 – Defended well and offered occasional support going forward
Diogo Dalot: 6/10 – Picked up an early yellow card which limited his defensive aggression
Manuel Ugarte: 6/10 – Provided the assist for Yoro’s goal and broke up play effectively, although passing haphazard at times
Casemiro: 6.5/10 – Nearly scored with an overhead kick and gave us control in midfield
Patrick Dorgu: 6.5/10 – Created chances and looked lively throughout
Bruno Fernandes: 7.5/10 – Captain’s performance and provided a perfect cross for Zirkzee’s goal
Rasmus Hojlund: 5/10 – Worked hard but continues to look short of confidence in front of goal
Alejandro Garnacho: 6/10 – Had his moments but final ball often lacking
Substitutes:
Joshua Zirkzee: 7/10 – Made an immediate impact and took his goal well
Mason Mount: 6/10 – Steady after replacing Ugarte
Kobbie Mainoo: 6/10 – Welcome return from injury
Victor Lindelof: 6/10 – Slotted in competently for the final minutes
Looking ahead
United host Lyon at Old Trafford next Thursday with the tie finely balanced. Before that, we travel to Newcastle this weekend looking to improve our Premier League position.
For Amorim, the challenge remains finding consistency from a talented but erratic squad. With European glory representing United’s best hope of salvaging their season, we’ll need to be more clinical and concentrate for the full 90 minutes if we’re to progress past a dangerous Lyon side.