
Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final has fans questioning their goalkeeper once again. André Onana made two crucial mistakes that turned what should have been a comfortable win into a nervy second leg. What’s happening with United’s number one?
André Onana’s Costly Errors Continue to Mount
The tally keeps growing. With his two blunders against Lyon, André Onana has now made approximately 8 errors leading directly to goals since joining Manchester United in 2023. His failure to stop Thiago Almada’s curling free-kick for Lyon’s first equalizer left many fans shaking their heads.
But it was his 95th-minute mistake that really stung. Onana pushed Georges Mikautadze’s shot straight back into the danger area, allowing Rayan Cherki to tap home and level the tie at 2-2. These errors have become a worrying pattern for a goalkeeper who cost United £43.8 million.
“He makes fantastic saves but then has these moments that cost us points,” one frustrated United supporter told me outside Groupama Stadium. “Its getting harder to defend him when this keeps happening.”
United’s European Campaign Hangs in Balance Despite André Onana’s Strengths
The draw leaves Manchester United with work to do in the second leg at Old Trafford on April 17. Goals from Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee should have secured victory, but bookmakers now have both teams evenly matched to advance to the semi-finals.
United remain unbeaten in European competition this season, showing remarkable resilience by coming from behind numerous times. However, André Onana’s inconsistency threatens their chances of silverware.
If United can overcome Lyon, they’ll face either Athletic Bilbao or Rangers in the semi-finals. These potential matchups present different challenges, with Bilbao known for their strong home support and Rangers bringing their own European pedigree.
The Two Sides of André Onana And His Season
Despite the criticism, there’s more to André Onana’s season than just errors. He’s kept 9 clean sheets in the Premier League and made 85 saves, showing glimpses of the goalkeeper United thought they were signing from Inter Milan.
His ball distribution has generally improved United’s buildup play, something manager Ruben Amorim values highly. After the Lyon match, Amorim supported his goalkeeper, saying, “If you look at the season I’ve made more mistakes than them during these last games… I’m really confident in Andre.”
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What Next for André Onana and Manchester United?
The second leg at Old Trafford now takes on added importance. André Onana will need to deliver a mistake-free performance to help United progress and silence his critics. The pressure will be immense, but redemption remains possible.
For fans looking for betting tips on the return fixture, the form guide suggests goals at both ends could be likely again, with United’s defensive frailties balanced by their attacking prowess.
André Onana’s United career hangs in a delicate balance. His talent is undeniable, but patience wears thin when mistakes continue at this level. The coming weeks could define not just United’s season, but potentially Onana’s future at the club.