Manchester United were close to taking a valuable lead back to Old Trafford in their Europa League quarter-final tie, but a costly mistake from Andre Onana allowed Lyon to snatch a 2-2 draw.
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Onana needed to be flawless in Lyon but ended up culpable for both goals. He protested Rayan Cherki’s 95th-minute equaliser, but his appeals were futile—he mishandled a routine shot directly into Cherki’s path, and there was no offside to bail him out. ..Continue Reading
As players and staff gathered post-match, backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir approached Onana with a consoling pat.
Despite his confident words online and in interviews, Onana hasn’t lived up to them on the pitch.
His body language said it all—frozen as teammates offered brief, awkward comfort. No one gave him a firm embrace. Some even looked hesitant.
Onana has now committed nine notable errors in a United shirt, and that figure arguably understates the reality. A number of them have come on the European stage.
No player had a bigger hand in United’s Champions League group stage exit last season. His first mistake in this match didn’t appear as damaging as those in Munich or Istanbul, but his second could still have serious consequences.
His bold claims—declaring United “way better” than Lyon and mocking Nemanja Matic’s trophyless spell at the club on social media—have only added fuel to the fire. The backlash was inevitable.
With manager Ruben Amorim reportedly eyeing a new goalkeeper this summer, it would be irresponsible for United not to pursue competition for Onana.
Fans are likely to demand more than just backup—they want a real contender, or even a replacement.
Thiago Almada’s first-half free-kick deceived Onana much like Jaden Philogene’s cross had earlier this season. The ball evaded everyone and caught Onana flat-footed—he barely got a glove on it.
Tensions were visible long before kick-off. Onana and Matic, once teammates, were mere yards apart but exchanged no gestures.
Onana walked the pitch alone while Lyon ultras hurled abuse. Matic chatted casually with United’s fitness coach, Charlie Owen, showing no interest in his former teammate.
Even in the tunnel, the cold distance between them remained. Cameras fed the narrative, but any tension fizzled when Matic was named among the substitutes.
Onana was jeered with every touch, and subjected to relentless chants from the home crowd. Matic, meanwhile, may feel his point was made during his press conference comments.
United were arguably the better side and could’ve secured a win. A draw was enough in San Sebastian, and they’ll still be confident of finishing the job at Old Trafford.
But while their attacking efficiency holds up, it’s their goalkeeper’s reliability that raises the real concern.
