Onana’s errors overshadow impressive Man United performance | OneFootball

This season has been…interesting to say the least for Manchester United. Despite being in 14th place in the Premier League, the Red Devils traveled to France to square off against Lyon. One of the main talking points of the season has been the play of goalkeeper André Onana. He found himself in the headlines before the game, and not for the best reasons.

When the Cameroonian claimed earlier this week that United were the “far better team”, Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matić responded by saying “if you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United's history, you need to take care about what you are talking about”. What happened after was one of the biggest “ball don’t lie” moments in Europa League history.

Nemanja Matić pregame before playing Manchester United - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg | Michael Steele/GettyImages

The game did not start out well for Onana. Lyon winger Thiago Almada played in a cross off a free-kick which seemed like it would be catching practice for the former Ajax goalkeeper. What followed was yet another error for Onana, giving the home side a 1-0 lead. Since the beginning of last season, no keeper in the Premier League has made more mistakes leading to a goal than André Onana, who has 8.

Onana talking to his defenders - UEFA Europa League | Anadolu/GettyImages

Despite the poor start, the visitors would find answers very quickly. A Bruno Fernandes ball into the box led to some chaos, ending up in an equalizer through Leny Yoro just before half. Fernandes would continue to have his handprints all over this game. The Portugal native created three chances and had nine passes into the final third, tied most for any player for either team.

Bruno Fernandes in the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg | Sports Press Photo/GettyImages

The midfielder’s performance would only get better, with his biggest involvement coming late in the game. In the 88th minute, Fernandes played a beautiful ball into the back post, which found the head of Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman fired the ball into the back of the net and celebrated as if he won the game.

Joshua Zirkzee's header gave United a late lead, but it wouldn't last long | Sports Press Photo/GettyImages

However, the celebrations would be short-lived. In the 95th minute, everything fell apart for the Red Devils. In the second phase after a corner, a firm but very savable shot from Georges Mikautadze seemed to be the end of the Lyon comeback. In a move which symbolized the entire season for Manchester United, Onana let the ball bounce off his hands and into the waiting path of Rayan Cherki, who then fired home a historic equalizer for the French side. The goal is the latest that Manchester United have ever conceded in the Europa League.

It seems as though the old saying “it’s the hope that kills you” rings too close to home when it comes to Manchester United. Despite great performances from players such as Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes, the main talking point from this game (and this season) has been mistakes which end up costing the team. In order for Ruben Amorim to last at United, something will have to change.