André Onana’s Night To Forget: Late Howlers Haunt Manchester United In Dramatic Lyon Draw

In an extraordinary Europa League quarter-final clash brimming with controversy and late drama, Manchester United's goalkeeper André Onana endured a torrid evening, committing two costly errors that allowed Lyon to snatch a 2-2 draw at Groupama Stadium. The result, overshadowed by Onana's blunders, leaves United facing a tricky second leg at Old Trafford amid renewed doubts surrounding their turbulent season.

Coming into this fixture, the pre-match narrative was stoked by a bitter exchange: ex-United midfielder Nemanja Matic, now at Lyon, branded Onana as one of United’s “poorest-ever keepers,” sparking a bristling response from the Cameroonian who boasted of his trophy haul in Manchester. But when the whistle blew, it was Lyon—and arguably Matic, an unused substitute—who had the last laugh.

The first calamity arrived early. From a harmless-looking Thiago Almada free-kick into the 'corridor of uncertainty,' Onana hesitated fatally. The ball bounced directly in front of him—yet his desperate, awkward flap only deflected it into the net, gifting Lyon their opener and drawing a chorus of derision from jubilant home fans. As one analyst quipped, it was goalkeeping that “cast him as a mug.”

United equalised before half-time when Lyon keeper Lucas Perri flapped at a Bruno Fernandes free-kick, leading to Leny Yoro nodding home his first goal for the club. The young defender was delighted but subdued: “I didn’t really celebrate much, because it’s not about me—we wanted the win.”

The second half crackled with tension amidst fierce challenges, missed chances—including a glaring Rasmus Højlund misfire that poetic irony might suggest had Matic wincing anew—and mounting United pressure. Substitute Joshua Zirkzee finally appeared to snatch a trademark smash-and-grab away victory with a superb 88th-minute header from Fernandes’ floating cross, igniting wild celebrations on the United bench.

But cruelly, deep in added time, disaster struck again. Onana failed to properly parry a fierce Corentin Tolisso shot, fumbling the ball right into the path of Rayan Cherki, who coolly dinked home the leveller with almost the last kick. The Lyon fans erupted; Onana’s anguish was complete. Robbie Savage lamented on commentary, "You just have to do better at this level." Indeed, these mistakes bookended a frustratingly familiar story for United: moments of promise undermined by lapses at the back.

Coach Ruben Amorim, despite Onana's errors, reaffirmed his confidence: “He will play on Sunday and in the second leg. We support him.” The Portuguese also highlighted progress: “We showed fight, discipline, and created enough to win.” Analyst Paul Scholes, though, remained sceptical over United’s consistency to navigate the semi-final berth from here.

Meanwhile, Lyon—urged on by Ajaccio-born star Cherki—scent opportunity. Defender Yoro remained optimistic: “We know what we need to do at Old Trafford—we can win there.” The tie remains delicately poised, with United’s fighting spirit offset by defensive frailty, and Lyon’s youthful exuberance promising a sizzling second chapter.

Beyond the United drama, elsewhere in Europe it was a memorable night for Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, who stunned Serie A heavyweights Lazio 2-0 amidst Arctic conditions, their dream of a historic semi-final alive. But the spotlight firmly rests on Manchester United and whether they can exorcise their goalkeeping ghosts and seize redemption on home turf.

As fans dissect this pulsating contest and Onana steels himself for redemption, one question lingers: can United’s new era shake off old failings in time, or will Lyon’s late laughter foreshadow their European exit?

What’s your take on Onana’s performance and United’s chances next week? Share your thoughts and join the debate below!

• Andre Onana
• Joshua Zirkzee
• Rayan Cherki

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