Onana’s Mistakes Cost Man United in Lyon Match
Lyon vs Man United ends 2-2 as Onana’s errors dominate headlines. Can the Red Devils survive the second leg? Full story from XTRAfrica
Apr 10, 2025
Prince Jean
Andre Onana had a tough game as Manchester United tied 2-2 with Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
It was a wild night in France as Lyon vs Man United delivered a chaotic 2-2 draw, but the scoreline isn’t what’s dominating headlines and it’s Andre Onana.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper is under fire once again after two high-profile errors handed Lyon a lifeline in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg. With the tie now wide open, Manchester United fans are asking: can they still trust their man between the posts?
First Half Drama — Onana’s Nightmare Begins
Lyon came into the game determined to make a statement, and they did just that in the 28th minute. Thiago Almada stepped up for a wide free-kick that looked more like a hopeful cross than a shot but it didn’t matter. Onana misjudged the flight completely, the ball skidded past his gloves, and Lyon were 1-0 up.
From then on, the pressure was on United. They equalized just before the break, thanks to a scrappy finish from Lenny Yoro off a deflected volley, breathing life back into their campaign.
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Late Madness — From Hero to Heartbreak
United seemed to have turned the match around when Bruno Fernandes floated in a pinpoint cross for substitute Joshua Zirkzee, who smashed home a powerful header in the 88th minute to make it 2-1.
But just when it looked like the Red Devils would head back to Old Trafford with a priceless win, disaster struck again.
In stoppage time, Georges Mikautadze fired a low shot that Onana failed to control. The rebound fell straight to Rayan Cherki, who made no mistake. Lyon had their equalizer, and United had their scapegoat.
Amorim Defends Onana, but Pressure Mounts
United manager Ruben Amorim stood by his keeper, saying in the post-match press conference:
“I’ve made more mistakes than him this season. When one player has a mistake, the whole team shares the responsibility.”
But fans and pundits are less forgiving. Former player Nemanja Matic, now at Lyon, stirred the pot earlier by calling Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history.” The numbers don’t help either Onana now leads all Premier League keepers in errors leading to goals since last season.
What It Means for United
With Champions League qualification via the Premier League looking unlikely, the Europa League is United’s last real hope. And after the chaos of Lyon vs Man United, questions are rising about whether this squad and their shaky last line of defense can hold their nerve.
The second leg at Old Trafford looms large. Anything short of a win could be disastrous for Amorim’s debut season in charge.
