Lyon 2–2 Manchester United Player Ratings: Andre Onana Disaster Gives Lyon Lifeline in the First Leg of Europa League Quarter-Finals

Two Andre Onana howlers mean that Manchester United go into the second leg with all to play for following a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.

The build-up to the game was dominated by the narrative set by the fiery war of words between Andre Onana and Nemanja Matic, setting the stage for a tantalising encounter.

Paolo Fonseca made a huge gamble by benching Nemanja Matic, and Paul Akouokou was given his first start since December. Manchester United, on the other hand, went with the same side that faced Manchester City on Sunday.

The first 5 minutes of the game went without any sense of fluency, partly due to Clinton Mata needing medical assistance after an awkward landing. Post the restart, however, it was the home side that dominated the majority of the ball. Rayan Cherki and Corentin Tolisso dovetailed rather nicely with neat little interplays that found willing runners in Tagliafico and Mikataudze.

Tolisso had the game’s first shot, which was eventually blocked. United responded with their first attack of the game, when Dorgu sneaked in behind the Lyon defense and found Hojlund, but his shot was woefully scuffed and rolled harmlessly wide.

United then had a 5-minute spell where they put the home side under duress. First, Bruno Fernandes saw his goal-bound shot blocked after some good work from Garnacho down the right. Then, Casemiro acrobatically shot well, but straight at Lyon keeper Perri.

Just when it seemed like the Red Devils were in the ascendancy and taking control, Lyon struck the opening blow. Thiago Almada whipped in a teasing cross that evaded everyone and snuck in, with Onana making an almighty mess of what should have been a routine save. The mistake meant that Onana has now made 8 errors that have directly led to a goal for his side.

United set about once again trying to get back into a contest after falling behind. Lyon, however, held their shape and nullified the threat that their opponents posed. Almada had another shot on goal, but it was tame and Onana gratefully smothered it. United had a couple of shots, but none had the power or the accuracy to trouble the Lyon keeper.

Just when it felt like Lyon would go into half-time with a creditable lead in the bank, United landed the sucker punch with their equaliser. A Fernandes free-kick was only cleared as far as Ugarte, whose looping cross found Yoro, who finished with a glancing header and brought his side level with virtually the last kick of the half.

The second half saw Lyon guilty of spurning multiple gilt-edged chances. Alexandre Lacazette, Corentin Tolisso, and Mikataudze were all guilty of letting slip golden opportunities that could and should have given them the lead. Instead, it kept Man United in the game. The visitors then threatened with shots of their own. Garnacho saw his shot well saved while Bruno continued to push and probe.

Man United finally thought they found the winner when Bruno put in an exquisite ball over the top to Zirkzee, who made no mistake from 6 yards out. With literally seconds left, Lyon found the leveller with Onana once again making an even bigger howler than the first one for Rayan Cherki to tap in from his spill.

Here are the Lyon vs Manchester United Player Ratings.

Lyon Player Ratings

GK- Lucas Perri- 5.5/10

Could not do much about either of the goals. Saved well off Garnacho in the second half.

RB- Ainsley Maitland-Niles- 6/10

Was a buccaneering presence on Lyon’s right side. Constantly ran up and down and kept Patrick Dorgu on a tight leash, winning everything against him.

RCB- Clinton Mata- 5/10

Had a decent night right up until the end. Failed to track Zirkzee for the goal which cost his side dearly.

LCB- Moussa Niakhaté- 5.5/10

His block on Bruno Fernandes’ shot was crucial as it looked to be going on target. A respectable performance.

LB- Nicholas Tagliafico- 5.5/10

Was full of energy but no end product. Was kept under control by Mazraoui for most of the game. Booked for a confrontation with Mason Mount.

CDM- Paul Akouokou- 5/10

The midfielder’s first start since December was a mixed bag. Was good physically, but constantly played on the edge and was fortunate to escape bookings on multiple instances. Was subbed early in the second half due to injury.

CDM- Jordan Veretout- 6/10

Shielded his defense well despite playing with a newly returning partner. Was accurate in his distribution and did the simple things right.

RW- Rayan Cherki- 7/10

The nimble-footed youngster was the beating heart of Lyon’s attacking moves. Constantly found pockets of space and was willing to run past his marker. reacted quickest to score the equaliser at virtually the last kick of the game.

CAM- Corentin Tolisso- 6/10

The skipper was a buzzing presence in midfield. Complemented Cherki nicely as he kept his side ticking in possession.

LW- Thiago Almada- 6.5/10

His cross cum shot found the back of the net, giving his side the lead. Had a few more shots but did not have the power to trouble his opponents.

ST- Georges Mikautadze- 6.5/10

Ran gamely and put himself out there physcially to shield the ball. His mesmeric run in the second half almost helped Lyon get the lead.

Sub- Alexandre Lacazette- 5.5/10

Had a glorious chance to score with his first touch of the game, but shanked it wide. Had another great opportunity towards the end of the half but skewed that wide as well.

Manager- Paulo Fonseca- 6/10

Made a bold call to bench Tanner Tessmann and saw his side play well for vast stretches. While making only one sub was a curious choice, given the scoreline, it won’t matter much.

Manchester United Player Ratings

GK- Andre Onana- 3/10

The Cameroonian could not walk his talk as once again his positioning for the Lyon goal left a lot to be desired. Another howler right on the last kick of the game meant United had to settle for a draw

RCB- Noussair Mazraoui- 6/10

His versatility was handy in this game as he was everywhere defensively. Battled gamely with Tagliafico and Mikautdze and came up trumps on quite a few occasions.

CB- Harry Maguire- 6/10

Stood tall for his side in the heart of defense. He was a handful in winning those headers as he kept the Lyon attack at bay.

LCB- Leny Yoro- 7/10

What a time to get his first goal for the club. It was a well-taken finish from an awkward body angle. He was also resolute in defense as he thwarted Cherki and co.

RWB- Diogo Dalot- 5/10

An average performance, which can be good if you consider his roller-coaster of a season. Was alright in bits, average in the others.

RCM- Casemiro- 6/10

Had an acrobatic overhead kick saved, and had a header go wide in the second half. Was tidy and unfussy in his defensive work as he continues his resurgence

LCM- Manuel Ugarte- 6/10

Assisted Yoro for the equaliser with a looping cross. Did the dirty work in the midfield as effectively as he could. Was booked as well.

LWB- Patrick Dorgu- 5/10

One bright moment aside, he was thoroughly kept in check by Maitland-Niles. Barely got a sniff and finished second best in that battle time and again.

RW- Bruno Fernandes- 7.5/10

The United skipper was once again everywhere for his side. Had a role to play in the equaliser and had a couple of shots himself that were blocked. Put in a wonderful assist for the winner.

ST- Rasmus Hojlund- 4.5/10

Another game with multiple promising openings for the Dane, and failing to capitalize on those. As he was subbed off, you couldn’t help but wonder what he needs to do to rediscover his spark again.

LW- Alejandro Garnacho- 5.5/10

Was a willing runner and ran his socks off, but a lack of end product added to the frustrating night he endured. Had a snapshot late in the second half that was well saved.

Sub- Joshua Zirkzee- 6.5/10

Offered much more in attack than Hojlund with his link-up play. Scored the winner with a well-taken header.

Sub- Mason Mount- N/A

Late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Sub- Victor Lindelof- N/A

Late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Sub- Kobbie Mainoo- N/A

Late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Manager- Ruben Amorim- 6/10

Should have emerged from this game with a win if not for his keeper’s clangers. Managed the game very well and made subs at the right time. Unlucky for the Portuguese.

Sportsdunia Player of the Match goes to Bruno Fernandes.