Following Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Lyon, French media have raved about Bruno Fernandes and handed a “pathetic” Rúben Amorim man a worse rating than André Onana.
The first leg of Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final against Olympique Lyonnais finished in a 2-2 draw, with André Onana facing heavy criticism for his performance.
Lyon dominated possession for the first 20 minutes, but Rasmus Højlund squandered the game’s first clear chance. Bruno Fernandes then saw his shot deflected over the bar.
Lyon took the lead in the 25th minute through Thiago Almada, whose free-kick cross bypassed everyone and slipped past Onana into the net. Lyon grew in confidence, but just before the break, Leny Yoro leveled the score for United.
Both teams had some chances in the second half, but neither could find the breakthrough. United, under Rúben Amorim, pushed for a winner by bringing on Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount. Alejandro Garnacho came close, but Lyon keeper Lucas Perri made a crucial save.
With the clock ticking down, United thought they had found a late winner when a fantastic cross from Fernandes found Zirkzee, who headed it in from close range. However, in the final moments, Rayan Cherki scored for Lyon, ensuring the game ended 2-2.
French media raves about Fernandes
The fixture overall will be one to forget for United fans following Onana’s errors for both of Lyon’s goals and late equaliser from Cherki. However, the tie at Old Trafford is now set up to be a fisety encounter.
One player that French media left apprecating greatly is United’s captain Fernandes, who L’Equipe handed an 8/10 to – the highest rating of any player on the pitch.
Fernandes’ cross for Zirkzee’s goal was pinpoint, and overall across the tie, he was standout, creating three chances and having nine passes into the final third.
Despite starting as an attacking midfielder, The 30-year-old also put in plenty of defensive work, winning three out of five ground duels, three clearances, and three recoveries.
Højlund given worse rating than Onana
Onana has taken all the headlines for the tie following his two heanous errors on the night that led to both of Lyon’s goals, and was handed a 3/10 rating for his dismal performance.
However, this was not the worst rating of the night, with non-existant striker Højlund handed a 2/10. The Danish international scuffed multiple chances and his passing was wayward, with both him and Garnacho branded “pathetic” for their first-half performances.
Højlund had struggled this season despite initially scoring five goals in six games under Amorim, and after Zirkzee netted following his cameo that replaced Højlund up front, this does not bode well for the player.
It is unlikely that Højlund will start when United travel to face Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
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