Andre Onana: Man Utd ‘way better’ than Lyon but Europa League tie won’t be easy | OneFootball

Andre Onana does not expect Manchester United’s make-or-break Europa League quarter-final to be easy but has confidently claimed Ruben Amorim’s side are “way better” than Lyon.

Europe’s second-tier competition provides the Red Devils’ only hope of saving their season given they sit 13th in the Premier League standings with just seven matches remaining.

The Europa League offers their only route to silverware and continental qualification, with United knowing glory in next month’s Bilbao finale will secure a Champions League spot on top of the trophy.

Amorim’s men still have a way to go to make it to San Mames and are currently preparing for Thursday’s quarter-final first leg away to Lyon, where goalkeeper Onana heads with focus and no little confidence.

Put to him it is a massive match and United’s season rests on the Europa League, he said: “100 per cent. We all know the importance of this game, so we will go there with a winning mentality.

“It’s not our best season but we still have something big to win, so we will go for it.

“It’s (Lyon) a very good team, we know some of them, but I don’t think we have to focus about them. It’s more about us, what we’re going to do.

“I think we are better than them, we just have to go there and show who we are.

“If we go there with a winning mentality and we are focused, we stay compact, together and we follow the game plan, we will be winning the game.

“Of course, it’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them.”

Onana’s bullish remark will likely raise eyebrows around Lyon, who geared up to host United with a 2-1 comeback win against Lille on Saturday that leaves them fifth in Ligue 1.

There was less to shout about the following day as Amorim’s Red Devils hosted neighbours Manchester City in a dull 0-0 derby draw at Old Trafford.

“Well, it’s two sides because we had a good game, we were in control, we had our moments, we had a lot of chances, we didn’t score unfortunately,” Onana said.

“But drawing the way we did today in front of our fans is always a big disappointment. When you play such a big game like this you always want to win.

“But today I’m just positive because we had a good game, and it will be an extra motivation for the coming game on Thursday.”

Onana says United are working hard to turn their situation around, admitting: “Of course you feel the pressure because you’re playing for Manchester United.”

But the 29-year-old says he does not feel stressed when the crowd becomes audibly frustrated with him slowing things down.

“To be honest, it doesn’t affect me because the decision I make is to help the team,” he said. “Sometimes I will make the right decision, sometimes I will make the wrong decision.

“When I feel my players need to rest I have to take my time, when I feel we need to speed up the game I will do it.

“But sometimes, especially in the second half with an opponent that has a lot of control, they have more possession than us, I have to let my guys breathe. They need me to do that.”