April 11, 2025 – In a match brimming with drama, Manchester United’s Europa League hopes took a hit after goalkeeper André Onana committed two glaring errors, allowing Lyon to snatch a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their quarter-final clash. The Cameroonian’s nightmarish performance overshadowed what could have been a crucial away victory for the Red Devils, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of next week’s decisive second leg at Old Trafford
The match was already charged with tension after a pre-game war of words between Onana and former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, now at Lyon. Onana had boldly claimed United were “way better” than their French opponents, while Matic fired back, labeling him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history”.
The Lyon fans made their feelings known, relentlessly jeering Onana from the warm-up onwards. The pressure seemed to weigh heavily on the 29-year-old, who gifted Lyon the lead in the 25th minute. A seemingly harmless free-kick from Thiago Almada drifted into the box, but Onana misjudged its flight, allowing the ball to skip past his despairing dive and into the net.
United fought back before halftime, with young defender Leny Yoro nodding in his first goal for the club after Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri failed to clear a Bruno Fernandes free-kick. The 19-year-old’s composed finish offered United a lifeline, but the spotlight remained firmly on Onana.
The second half saw United absorb Lyon’s pressure before substitute Joshua Zirkzee rose highest to meet Fernandes’ pinpoint cross in the 88th minute, seemingly securing a hard-fought 2-1 win. However, disaster struck deep into stoppage time.
A weak shot from Georges Mikautadze should have been comfortably held by Onana, but the goalkeeper spilled the ball straight into the path of Rayan Cherki, who slotted home the equalizer in the 95th minute—officially the latest goal United have ever conceded in the Europa League.
The Lyon bench erupted in celebration, while Onana cut a desolate figure, knowing his mistakes had undone his team’s efforts.
United manager Ruben Amorim refused to single out Onana, insisting, “When one player makes a mistake, the whole team shares the responsibility” . However, pundits and fans were less forgiving, with many questioning whether Onana can remain United’s No. 1 given his error-prone season—his eight mistakes leading to goals since last season are the most by any Premier League goalkeeper.
Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca downplayed the pre-match feud, stating, “It was not a war. These are normal situations in football” 3. Meanwhile, Yoro remained optimistic, declaring, “We can win at Old Trafford, of course we can“
With the tie delicately poised, United must regroup quickly before Sunday’s Premier League trip to Newcastle. However, with their domestic campaign effectively over, all focus will shift to the second leg at Old Trafford, where they must overcome Lyon—and perhaps their own goalkeeper’s demons—to keep their Europa League dreams alive
