MANCHESTER UNITED were left ruing calamity goalkeeper Andre Onana as two massive blunders saw them leave their Europa League quarter-final first leg with a 2-2 draw against Lyon.
The season-defining clash for both clubs became even spicier ahead of the game following a war words between Onana and ex-Red Devils star Nemanja Matic, with the Serbian dubbing the goalkeeper “one of the worst in United history”.
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It certainly riled up the home side’s crowd, who made their voices known as Ruben Amorim named an unchanged team – for the first time since his arrival – from the Manchester derby.
But Onana was found wanting when he failed to save Thiago Almada’s inswinging free-kick to give the hosts the lead.
Leny Yoro nodded in an equaliser just before the interval after Manuel Ugarte‘s volley.
And Joshua Zirkzee looked to have won the game for the visitors with his late header converting a Fernandes cross.
But United’s joy was short-lived as Onana parried a shot straight to Rayan Cherki in added time, and the midfielder tapped in to leave the tie on a knife-edge.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils in France…
Andre Onana – 1
Booed on his first touch of the ball and had to deal with the noise all night. Had his first work to do in the 25th minute when he failed to keep out an inswinging cross from the left side with the ball bouncing in front of him before sailing into the top corner.
Saved an effort by Corentin Tolisso which was straight at him, but then spilled the ball at the death to gift Lyon an equaliser after blocking a stinging shot.
Performances like this only prove Matic’s point, reinforcing the claim he is Man Utd’s worst No1 goalkeeper in the modern era.
And this comes with reports saying United are looking to replace him in the summer. Any more games like this and United chiefs won’t give it a second thought.
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Noussair Mazraoui – 6
Put some big blocks in and saved Man Utd from going 2-0 down in the first half with a vital interception in a two-on-one.
Sent for a sandwich by some quick feet from Tolisso but the shot was saved by Onana. Made up for it with a huge block shortly after.
Harry Maguire – 5
Able to win headers in both boxes but too sloppy in possession. Senselessly burst out of the defence to pursue a lost cause which then allowed Lyon a dangerous attack at the end of the half.
Started the second half with a stunning ball in behind for Fernandes to run onto.
Leny Yoro – 8
Played everyone onside for the opener. Looked assured on the ball before heading in his first Man Utd goal.
Made some vital touches on the ball when Lyon attackers dribbled towards goal.
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Diogo Dalot – 5
Linked up well with Garnacho down the right.
Booked in the first half for a silly challenge when he had no chance of winning the ball.
Casemiro – 5
A spectacular overhead kick would have been his highlight of the first half.
Otherwise solid in tackling and set pieces but lacking some quality in passing all game.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Aggression was good in winning the ball back in midfield but then lacked the quality to pick the right pass. His volley from the goalkeeper’s punch at Fernandes’ free-kick on the stroke of halftime was headed in by Yoro to level the score.
A clever cutback at the start of the second half went begging with no Man Utd player able to get on the end of it. Booked and subbed off for Mason Mount.
Patrick Dorgu – 6
Some great play down the left flank saw him burst in behind before his pullback found Hojlund in acres of space, only for the Dane’s shot to trickle harmlessly wide. Struggled to beat his man when left one-on-one.
Had his blushes spared when he slipped up against Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Delivered a superb cross to Garnacho but his team-mate could not direct it past goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
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Bruno Fernandes – 7
Almost opened the scoring from a cutback cross from Garnacho but saw the effort deflect over for a corner. His free-kick at the end of the first half eventually led to Yoro’s equaliser after the goalkeeper punched it out towards Ugarte, whose volley then found Yoro.
Moved into the pivot after Mount’s introduction and had a bigger impact on the game, with United able to play through the lines more effectively. Delivered the cross for Zirkzee‘s goal.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
Knew he would be in for a game after being crunched inside 90 seconds. Some sloppy touches and passes summed up a frustrating first half.
Made the wrong choice on a three-on-two by passing to Fernandes instead of freshly subbed Joshua Zirkzee. Later hit a Dorgu cross into the ground which the keeper was able to save. Decision-making continues to let him down.
Rasmus Hojlund – 3
Scuffed a great chance to score when open in space in the penalty area after a Dorgu cut-back. Clearly lacking in confidence with even simple passes left wanting in execution.
Anonymous second half and you do have to wonder where he goes in these games.
Subs
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 63 mins) – 7
Superb header to give United the lead late on after he should have been played in by Garnacho earlier on.
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Mason Mount (for Ugarte, 72 mins) – 5
Gave the ball away and was fortunate not to be punished by Rayan Cherki. Booked seconds later as he got involved in a scuffle with Nicolas Tagliafico.
Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 83 mins) – 7
First appearance for United since December. Made his mark by winning the ball before Fernandes delivered the match-winning cross to Zirkzee. Booked for a tactical foul on Alexandre Lacazette.
Victor Lindelof (for Harry Maguire, 83 mins) – 6
His pass forward eventually led to the goal when Mainoo won it back for Fernandes who then crossed to Zirkzee.
