Lyon, France — Andre Onana, the Manchester United goalkeeper, faced severe criticism after his errors helped Lyon hold United to a 2-2 draw in their Europa League quarterfinal first leg on Thursday. The match saw United on the back foot as former midfielder Nemanja Matic, now with Lyon, had previously claimed Onana was ‘statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.’
United started the match brightly but fell behind in the 25th minute when Onana failed to stop a curling free-kick from Thiago Almada. However, they equalized just before half-time through Leny Yoro, who scored with a header following a clearance from Lyon’s keeper Lucas Perri.
As the game progressed, United seemed poised to secure a win when substitute Joshua Zirkzee appeared to put them ahead in the 88th minute with a well-placed header from a Bruno Fernandes cross. Just as hope was rising in the United camp, Lyon struck back when Rayan Cherki capitalized on an error by Onana, who spilled a shot from Georges Mikautadze.
Yoro reflected on the crucial late goal, saying, “I think this is the worst moment to concede a goal like that. We should have taken a one-goal advantage to the next game, but now we have to go back home and try to win it there.”
Manchester United remains the only team unbeaten in the Europa League this season, but their Premier League performance has suffered, leaving them in a precarious 13th place. Winning the Europa League is vital for United, as it offers a pathway back to the Champions League, a prospect they are unlikely to achieve through league standings.
Meanwhile, Tottenham also faced a challenging night at home against Eintracht Frankfurt, ending in a 1-1 draw. Spurs fell behind early to a well-crafted counterattack that resulted in a goal from Hugo Ekitike. They equalized in the 26th minute with a goal from Pedro Porro, who cleverly latched onto a cross from James Maddison.
Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “I can’t ask any more of the lads. It was disappointing to concede the way we did but we will regroup for the second leg.”
Both Manchester United and Tottenham are aware that their respective seasons hinge on their performances in the Europa League. For United, after being eliminated from the FA Cup and League Cup, this competition is their final chance for silverware. For Tottenham, continuing in the Europa League may be vital for Postecoglou’s job security amidst mounting pressure from fans.
With second legs looming for both teams, the stakes have never been higher. United will return to Old Trafford to face Lyon, while Tottenham will take their fight to Frankfurt, hoping to salvage their dwindling season.
