Manchester United continued their journey towards the Europa League Final in Bilbao in the Quarter-Final at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon.
The first leg of Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final against Olympique Lyonnais ended in a 2-2 draw, with André Onana coming under fire for his performance.
Lyon had the lion’s share of possession in the opening 20 minutes, but Rasmus Højlund missed a golden chance to put United ahead. Shortly after, Bruno Fernandes saw his sharp shot deflected over the bar.
Lyon took the lead in the 25th minute through Thiago Almada, whose free-kick cross deceived everyone, including Onana, and found its way into the net. Lyon gained confidence, but just before halftime, Leny Yoro scored to level the match.
In the second half, both teams had chances to break the deadlock, but neither could find the finishing touch. With Rúben Amorim making attacking changes, bringing on Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount, United pushed for a winner. Alejandro Garnacho came closest, but his shot was saved by Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
As the match entered its final moments, United thought they had secured a late winner when a brilliant cross from Fernandes found Zirkzee, who headed in from close range. However, in the dying seconds, Rayan Cherki responded for Lyon, ensuring the game ended 2-2.
Scholes praises Yoro’s headed goal
United legend Paul Scholes praised 19-year-old Yoro for his headed effort, stating it was a “really good” reaction goal, although the Lyon goalkeeper could have done more prior to his finish.
“Yeah, really good reaction,” the former midfielder said. “They’ve not played well in the quality in forward areas of the pitch, hasn’t been quite good enough, but I think that’s another terrible mistake from the goalkeeper.
“He just has to catch that and it’s, um, they wouldn’t be going into the break with the equaliser, but United have to improve massive second half, but they’re still in the game and that’s, that’s the aim of the night.”
Yoro has been Amorim’s saviour
Yoro has been fantastic for Amorim across the last few months and has become somewhat of a saviour for the head coach.
With Lisandro Martínez and Ayden Hevaen both unavailable due to injury, the teenage French sensation has stepped up and performed very well in the left centre-back role.
Despite being right-footed, he has looked very comfortable in the position, which has provided Amorim was a certified option to start in the position with his two left-footed centre-backs out.
It is becoming increasingly clear why United went head to head with Real Madrid for Yoro’s signature, forking out around £52 million for the player last summer.
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