Onana Blunders Costly As Manchester United Throw Away Late Lead Against Lyon

Manchester United’s Europa League hopes hang in the balance after 2-2 draw in France

Manchester United suffered a late setback in their Europa League quarter-final first leg, settling for a 2-2 draw against Lyon at the Groupama Stadium on Thursday night. Two costly mistakes from goalkeeper André Onana overshadowed an otherwise gritty performance and left United with work to do in the return leg at Old Trafford.

The Cameroonian shot-stopper endured a night to forget as his errors directly contributed to both of Lyon’s goals, including a dramatic injury-time equaliser. His performance came under intensified scrutiny following comments from former United midfielder Nemanja Matic—now with Lyon—who branded him “one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history” in a pre-match exchange that ignited tension between both camps.

Lyon took the lead in the first half when Thiago Almada’s tame free-kick inexplicably slipped through Onana’s gloves and nestled into the net—just one day after the Matic saga made headlines.

United, however, found a way back into the contest before the break. Young centre-back Leny Yoro scored his first senior goal, heading in from close range after Manuel Ugarte recycled a loose ball from Bruno Fernandes’ set-piece.

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Joshua Zirkzee appeared to have secured a crucial away win for United when he powered home a late header in the 88th minute following Fernandes’ inch-perfect cross.

But disaster struck again in stoppage time. Onana failed to hold Georges Mikautadze’s low drive, allowing substitute Rayan Cherki to slot in the rebound and send the home crowd into raptures.

United’s failure to close out the game leaves the tie wide open heading into next week’s decider in Manchester. With Champions League qualification via the Premier League looking increasingly unlikely, lifting the Europa League trophy remains their best hope of a return to Europe’s elite competition—a failure that could reportedly cost the club over £100 million.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund’s European form remains a talking point. The Dane, who has more goals in continental action than in the Premier League, missed a golden opportunity early in the game, scuffing a clear-cut chance wide from close range.

In a contest that brought back memories of the two sides’ heavyweight clash in the 2007-08 Champions League—when United went on to lift the trophy—the contrast in fortunes now is stark. Both clubs are rebuilding, but for United, the pressure is mounting as a turbulent season nears its climax.