Andre Onana Blunders Costly as Manchester United draw Lyon In France

Manchester United’s hopes of progressing to the Europa League semi-finals were held back on Thursday night after two costly errors from goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed Lyon to secure a 2-2 draw in the quarter-final first leg at Old Trafford.

The Cameroonian shot-stopper was at fault early in the game, misjudging Thiago Almada’s free kick which bounced awkwardly and slipped over his outstretched arms to hand the visitors a surprise lead.

United responded with attacking pressure, as Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes both came close to levelling, but missed key chances. Their persistence paid off just before the break, when Leny Yoro headed in a Manuel Ugarte volley to make it 1-1.

Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to put United ahead in the 88th minute, steering home a brilliant cross from Fernandes and sending the home fans into celebration.

But that joy was short-lived.

In stoppage time, Onana made another blunder, failing to hold onto a routine shot which spilled into the path of Rayan Cherki. The Lyon forward reacted quickly to slot home the equaliser and punish United’s late defensive lapse.

With the tie finely balanced at 2-2, Erik ten Hag’s side now face a tricky return leg in France, where they’ll need to avoid more self-inflicted wounds to keep their European hopes alive.

This errors will not help Onana’s reputation with Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic tagging him the worst goalkeeper in Manchester United history days before this match.