Player Ratings: Onana Errors Costs Man United in Europa League Draw at Lyon | OneFootball

Europa League Drama as Man United Let Lead Slip in Lyon

Manchester United’s quarter-final journey in the Europa League remains balanced on a knife-edge after a dramatic 2-2 draw away to Lyon. A night that flickered between promise and vulnerability ended with Rayan Cherki’s late flourish, undoing what had looked like a vital away win.

United had hauled themselves back into contention through Leny Yoro’s equaliser and then edged ahead via Joshua Zirkzee’s well-timed finish, only for defensive hesitancy to surface once again in the dying moments.

Bright Start Overshadowed by Familiar Flaws

The pattern was familiar: control in spells, individual quality evident, but undermined by lapses that seem stubbornly resistant to change. It began with Andre Onana misjudging Thiago Almada’s wide free-kick, a ball that should have been claimed or cleared but instead bounced through a crowded box and into the far corner. There was no touch, only confusion.

Yet this is a Manchester United side that can still conjure moments. Yoro, signed last summer from Lille, chose the perfect time to mark his first goal for the club – latching onto a loose ball in the box just before the interval. It was a centre-back’s finish, full of muscle and instinct.

In the second half, as Lyon pushed forward and Alexandre Lacazette twice missed clear chances to regain the lead, it was United who landed the punch. Zirkzee, introduced with just under 30 minutes to play, latched onto a flick from Bruno Fernandes to make it 2-1 in the 88th minute.

Late Heartbreak Sends Warning to Old Trafford

But the calm was short-lived. Deep into stoppage time, Cherki – Lyon’s brightest and most inventive player – darted through a tired defence and slotted past Onana. A dagger blow, one that denied United the comfort of returning to Old Trafford with a lead.

It leaves the tie finely poised, but United’s inability to close out games – especially in Europe – remains their most stubborn trait.

Young Talent and Tactical Gaps in Spotlight

There were glimpses of something more sustainable. Yoro’s performance hinted at maturity beyond his years, while Fernandes remains the beating heart of this team’s attack. But questions remain: Onana’s inconsistency, Hojlund’s anonymity, and a midfield still trying to control tempo rather than chase it.

Lyon’s youth was also evident. Cherki’s influence continues to grow, and Almada’s dead-ball precision offered a reminder that this side – under the radar for most of the season – can do real damage.

Player Ratings

Lyon:Lucas Perri – 6Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 7Clinton Mata – 7Moussa Niakhate – 6.5Nicolas Tagliafico – 7Jordan Veretout – 7Paul Akouokou – 6Corentin Tolisso – 7.5Rayan Cherki – 8Georges Mikautadze – 7.5Thiago Almada – 8Alexandre Lacazette (sub) – 7

Man United (3-4-2-1):Andre Onana – 3Noussair Mazraoui – 6Harry Maguire – 6Leny Yoro – 7Diogo Dalot – 6Manuel Ugarte – 7.5Casemiro – 6.5Patrick Dorgu – 7Alejandro Garnacho – 6Bruno Fernandes – 8Rasmus Hojlund – 6Joshua Zirkzee (sub) – 7Mason Mount (sub) – 6