Manchester United Draws 2-2 with Lyon: Onana Under Fire but Amorim Defends Him
The clash between Lyon and Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-finals has kept the tie finely poised as both teams fought to a 2-2 draw. However, it was Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, who found himself at the heart of the conversation after his costly errors played a pivotal role in Lyon’s comeback. Onana’s performance has sparked significant criticism, particularly after two glaring mistakes led to Lyon’s goals. The first came from a poorly timed attempt to block Thiago Almada’s free-kick, which skidded through his gloves and into the net. The second mistake was even more devastating, as Onana spilled a shot from Georges Mikautadze, which was immediately pounced on by Rayan Cherki for a stoppage-time equalizer.
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Despite the controversy surrounding Onana’s performance, Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, came to the goalkeeper’s defense. Amorim, who was appointed as United’s manager only a few months ago, acknowledged Onana’s errors but pointed out that, as a manager, he had made even more mistakes this season than his goalkeeper. In a candid interview, Amorim said, "If you look at the season I've made more mistakes than them during these last games and during these last months." He emphasized that it was important for Onana to remain calm and confident, insisting that, despite the mistakes, the team would continue to rely on him. "I’m really confident in Andre," Amorim added, signaling his belief in the goalkeeper’s abilities.
The pressure on Onana intensified in the days leading up to the match. Former United player Nemanja Matic had criticized Onana publicly, calling him "statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history." Onana, clearly affected by the criticism, was booed by Lyon fans throughout the game, but he did have his moment of redemption when he helped Manchester United take the lead in the 88th minute. Despite his earlier mistakes, Onana was able to celebrate passionately with his teammates after United’s Joshua Zirkzee put them ahead. However, that joy was short-lived as Lyon’s last-minute equalizer left United with mixed feelings about the result.
Manchester United, currently struggling in the Premier League, has their hopes of European football next season resting on a successful Europa League campaign. With the second leg to come at Old Trafford, Amorim will need his players to bounce back, especially Onana, who will be under even more scrutiny. But Amorim is clear: mistakes happen, and it’s about how the team responds that matters. United will need to improve their defense if they are to progress past Lyon and keep their dreams of European glory alive.
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