Manchester United’s aspirations for Champions League football next season suffered a setback as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. The match, held at Groupama Stadium, was marked by two costly errors from United goalkeeper Andre Onana, which allowed Lyon to snatch a late equalizer and leave the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford. Onana’s performance came under intense scrutiny, particularly after a pre-match exchange involving former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who now plays for Lyon, where Matic labeled Onana as “one of the worst goalkeepers” in United’s history. The Cameroonian international’s first blunder saw him concede a soft free-kick from Thiago Almada, allowing the ball to slip through his grasp and into the net. While United managed to regain the lead late in the game through a Joshua Zirkzee header, Onana’s second error in stoppage time, failing to hold Georges Mikautadze’s shot, allowed Rayan Cherki to score the equalizer and snatch a draw for Lyon.
The draw casts a shadow over United’s hopes of returning to the Champions League, a competition they last graced in the 2021-22 season. Securing Europa League victory represents their only remaining pathway to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition. The financial implications are substantial, as missing out on Champions League football is projected to cost the club over £100 million ($127.6 million), a significant blow to their already constrained finances. Furthermore, the Europa League represents a crucial opportunity for United to salvage a disappointing season, marked by an underwhelming Premier League campaign that threatens their worst top-flight finish since relegation in 1974. The pressure on the team is palpable, and the draw against Lyon adds to the mounting challenges they face.
The match itself was a closely contested affair, showcasing the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs since their last meeting in the Champions League round of 16 during the 2007-08 season. Back then, both teams were at the pinnacle of their respective leagues, with United going on to win the Champions League and Lyon claiming their seventh consecutive Ligue 1 title. This encounter highlighted the decline in both clubs’ stature, particularly United, who find themselves battling to secure European football through the Europa League. Despite flashes of attacking prowess, United’s vulnerability at the back and Onana’s errors proved costly, underscoring the need for improvements if they are to progress further in the competition.
Rasmus Hojlund’s performance epitomized United’s struggles this season. While the Danish striker has been prolific in European competitions, scoring five goals, his Premier League tally stands at a mere three. He missed a golden opportunity early in the match, scuffing a close-range effort wide from Patrick Dorgu’s cut-back. United gradually grew into the game, with Bruno Fernandes forcing a save from Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri. However, their momentum was abruptly halted by Onana’s error, which gifted Lyon the lead. The goalkeeper’s performance became a focal point, especially following Matic’s pre-match criticism. The former United midfielder’s comments added fuel to the fire, and Lyon fans seized the opportunity to taunt Onana after his mistake.
United managed to level the score just before half-time, capitalizing on a scramble in the Lyon box following a Fernandes free-kick. Young defender Leny Yoro was in the right place at the right time to glance the ball into the net, marking his first goal for the club. The second half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating chances. Substitute Alexandre Lacazette missed a chance for Lyon, while Corentin Tolisso also tested Onana. At the other end, Alejandro Garnacho forced a save from Perri, and Casemiro narrowly missed the target with a header. Lacazette squandered another opportunity before the late drama unfolded.
The final moments of the match were a rollercoaster of emotions for both sides. First, Zirkzee put United ahead with a powerful header from a Fernandes cross, seemingly securing a crucial victory. However, Onana’s second error in added time dashed United’s hopes. His inability to handle Mikautadze’s low shot presented Cherki with a simple tap-in, rescuing a draw for Lyon and leaving the tie finely balanced. The result leaves United with work to do in the second leg at Old Trafford. They will need to improve their defensive solidity and hope for a more assured performance from Onana if they are to overcome Lyon and progress to the semi-finals. The pressure will be immense, as their hopes of Champions League qualification and a much-needed financial boost hang in the balance.
