Amorim Stands By Onana After Costly Mistakes In Draw Against Lyon

Amorim Stands By Onana After Costly Mistakes In Draw Against Lyon

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has come to the defense of goalkeeper Andre Onana following two critical errors in their 2-2 draw with Olympique Lyon during the first leg of the UEFA Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.

Onana faced heavy scrutiny and jeers from the Lyon crowd, especially after his recent spat with former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who had harshly labeled him “one of the worst” goalkeepers in the club’s history. The criticism intensified when Onana mishandled a Thiago Almada free-kick, handing the French side an early lead…READ MORE…

United responded with goals from Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, swinging the momentum in their favour. However, Onana’s second blunder—failing to deal with a last-minute attempt from Rayan Cherki—allowed Lyon to level the game with the final kick.

“It happens in football,” Amorim said after the match. “We play so many games—mistakes are part of it. There’s nothing I can say to Andre right now that will change how he feels.”

Looking ahead, Amorim urged focus on the return leg at Old Trafford, stressing the team’s resolve to bounce back. “We still have another game to turn things around. That’s where our energy should go.”

Despite remaining undefeated in Europe this season, Amorim admitted the late equaliser took a toll on team morale. “The dressing room was quiet. That’s understandable. We know how tough it is to get a result away in Europe, but we’re hurting and we need to respond.”

With their Europa League campaign being United’s only remaining path to Champions League qualification, next week’s second leg carries immense stakes—both sporting and financial.

“It’s a 50-50 tie now,” Amorim noted. “But playing at home, with our fans, gives us an edge.”

Leny Yoro, who scored his maiden goal for United, remains optimistic: “Winning away would’ve been huge, but we’re determined to finish the job at home.”

Meanwhile, Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who netted the dramatic equaliser, believes the French side were the better team overall. “We deserved more. From the start, we sensed fear in them. There’s more to come from us