Onana Errors Haunt United: 5 Devastating Moments in Lyon’s Last-Gasp Draw

Onana errors cost Manchester United dearly in their Europa League quarter-final first leg on April 10, 2025, as Lyon snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw with a stoppage-time equaliser. André Onana’s second major blunder gifted Rayan Cherki the chance to level the score, erasing what could have been a morale-boosting away victory for United. This match, played at Groupama Stadium, exposed vulnerabilities in United’s campaign and sparked heated debate about Onana’s reliability. In this blog post, we’ll dissect the key moments, analyze the impact of Onana’s mistakes, and explore what lies ahead for United in this crucial tie.

Table of Contents

1. What Happened in the Lyon vs. United Match?
2. Onana Errors: Breaking Down the Blunders
3. United’s Fightback: Yoro and Zirkzee Shine
4. The Matic-Onana Spat That Set the Stage
5. Can United Recover in the Second Leg?
6. Conclusion: A Test of Resilience

What Happened in the Lyon vs. United Match?

The Europa League quarter-final first leg was a rollercoaster of emotions for Manchester United fans. Lyon took the lead in the 25th minute through Thiago Almada’s free-kick, capitalizing on the first of Onana’s errors. United battled back, with Leny Yoro equalizing just before halftime. Late in the game, substitute Joshua Zirkzee headed home a pinpoint Bruno Fernandes cross, seemingly securing a 2-1 victory. But in the 95th minute, Onana’s failure to hold a shot from Georges Mikautadze allowed Cherki to tap in, leaving United stunned and the tie level at 2-2.

The draw keeps United unbeaten in Europe this season, but it’s a missed opportunity to take a lead into the second leg at Old Trafford. With United languishing in 13th in the Premier League, the Europa League is their best shot at silverware and Champions League qualification. Onana’s errors turned a potential triumph into a frustrating night.

Onana Errors: Breaking Down the Blunders

André Onana’s performance was marred by two critical mistakes that defined the match:

• First Error (25th Minute): Thiago Almada’s curling free-kick from the left floated into the penalty area. Onana hesitated, caught between coming to claim the ball and staying on his line. The ball bounced in front of him, and his late dive only tipped it into the net. It was a moment reminiscent of his struggles in last season’s Champions League The Guardian.
• Second Error (95th Minute): Deep in stoppage time, Georges Mikautadze fired a low shot at Onana. The keeper parried it weakly, straight into the path of Rayan Cherki, who couldn’t miss from close range. The error erased United’s hard-fought lead and left Onana visibly dejected.

Since joining United in 2023, Onana has made nine errors leading to goals across all competitions, the most by any Premier League goalkeeper in that span. These mistakes have fueled criticism, especially after his pre-match claim that United were “way better” than Lyon.

United’s Fightback: Yoro and Zirkzee Shine

Despite Onana’s errors, United showed resilience. Leny Yoro, the teenage center-back, scored his first goal for the club just before halftime, reacting sharply to head in after Manuel Ugarte’s volley looped into the box. His composure under pressure marked him as a bright spot in an otherwise shaky defense.

In the 87th minute, Joshua Zirkzee, brought on as a substitute, rose to meet Bruno Fernandes’s exquisite cross, powering a header past Lyon’s Lucas Perri. The goal seemed to secure a classic United comeback, highlighting the team’s attacking potential even without key forwards like Marcus Rashford. Fernandes’s vision and Zirkzee’s clinical finish offered hope, but Onana’s late lapse stole the spotlight.

The Matic-Onana Spat That Set the Stage

The match was charged with tension even before kickoff, thanks to a public war of words between Onana and Lyon’s Nemanja Matic, a former United midfielder. Onana’s assertion that United were superior prompted Matic to call him “one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history.” The Lyon crowd seized on this, booing Onana relentlessly, adding pressure to an already high-stakes game.

Onana’s errors seemed to validate Matic’s criticism, though manager Ruben Amorim downplayed the spat. “When one player makes a mistake, the whole team makes a mistake,” Amorim said, refusing to single out Onana. Still, the goalkeeper’s pre-match bravado backfired, making his blunders a focal point of post-match analysis.

Can United Recover in the Second Leg?

The 2-2 draw leaves the tie finely poised for the return leg at Old Trafford on April 17, 2025. United’s home advantage and passionate fanbase could tilt the scales, but they’ll need to address key issues:

• Goalkeeping Stability: Onana’s errors have raised questions about his role. While Amorim backs him, backup Altay Bayindir’s recent performances in cup competitions could tempt a change.
• Clinical Finishing: Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho missed chances in Lyon, underscoring United’s need for sharper attacking play.
• Defensive Solidity: Lyon exploited United’s right flank, particularly targeting Diogo Dalot. Tactical adjustments will be crucial to contain Cherki and Mikautadze.

United’s unbeaten European record this season—five wins and three draws in the league phase—offers optimism. A disciplined performance could see them advance to the semi-finals against Rangers or Athletic Bilbao. However, Onana’s errors serve as a reminder that individual lapses can derail collective ambition.

Conclusion: A Test of Resilience

Onana’s errors turned a potential victory into a bitter draw, leaving Manchester United with work to do in their Europa League campaign. The Lyon match showcased both United’s fighting spirit and their fragility, with Yoro and Zirkzee’s goals overshadowed by goalkeeping miscues. As the second leg looms, United must rally behind Amorim’s leadership, tighten their defense, and seize their home advantage. For Onana, it’s a chance to silence critics and prove his worth. The road to the Europa League final in Bilbao is fraught with challenges, but United’s resolve will define their fate. Will they rise above the setbacks, or will errors continue to haunt them?