Goalkeeper Andre Onana was at fault for two goals as a last-gasp Lyon equaliser put Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final tie in the balance at the halfway stage.
United went behind after 25 minutes when under-pressure Onana failed to get a strong enough hand to Thiago Almada’s wide free-kick.
The visitors thought they had won late on when substitute Joshua Zirkzee headed home Bruno Fernandes’ looping cross in the 88th minute.
But, with the last play before the final whistle, Onana spilled Georges Mikautadze’s shot and Rayan Cherki tapped in on the rebound.
ONANA UNDER PRESSURE
Attention was always going to be on Onana, who was labelled “one of the worst keepers” in Manchester United history by Lyon substitute Nemanja Matic on Wednesday.
Onana was booed every time he touched the ball inside Groupama Stadium, even if he had little to do before Lyon’s opener.
UNITED LACK RUTHLESSNESS UP TOP
With the Red Devils 13th in the Premier League table, their only realistic hope of qualifying for European football next season is through the Champions League spot afforded to the Europa League winner.
For large periods, they looked well-organised, motivated, and were probably the better team in Lyon.
But, as has often been the case this season, United were hampered by poor finishing. In the first half, Rasmus Hojlund skewed a Patrick Dorgu cutback well wide, while Bruno Fernandes had a shot deflected over and Casemiro struck an overhead kick straight at the goalkeeper.
HOJLUND AND GARNACHO STRUGGLE FOR FORM
United forwards Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho both appeared to lack confidence. Hojlund has now scored just one goal in his past 25 United appearances in all competitions, while Garnacho has one from his past 28.
SECOND LEG PREVIEW
The second leg takes place at Old Trafford next Thursday (20:00 BST). United will need to improve their finishing and Onana will need to be at his best if they are to progress to the semi-finals.
