United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United and Lyon played to a 2-2 draw at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon to set up a captivating second leg at Old Trafford.

Match Flow

After a positive period of play from Lyon, Rasmus Hojlund had a perfect opportunity to give United the lead in the 18th minute. Patrick Dorgu beat his defender down the line and set his fellow Dane up perfectly, but Hojlund scuffed the shot wide.

After making comments about Lyon’s quality midweek, Andre Onana conceded a howler from a Thiago Almada free-kick. The curling ball in from the Argentine missed everyone, and Onana whiffed his effort to push the ball away as it bounced into the side netting.

Moments after Noussair Mazraoui made an important last-man tackle, United grabbed a leveler. Alejandro Garnacho won a free kick that was delivered by Bruno Fernandes. The initial cross was punched away by the keeper, but Manuel Ugarte quickly put the ball back into the fray, and Leny Yoro flicked a smart header into the corner to make it 1-1.

Manchester United were thoroughly outplayed at times in the first half and only managed 39% possession but Yoro’s late equalizer provided much-needed parity for the Reds away from home.

In the early minutes of the second half, United had more possession of the ball, but Lyon was the team generating the scoring opportunities. Alexandre Lacazette missed a chance to score with his first touch after coming on, sending his shot wide. Just after the hour mark, Corentin Tolisso successfully beat several defenders but fired his shot directly into Onana’s arms.

Garnacho had a fantastic chance to give United a lead in the 79th minute from a perfect Patrick Dorgu cross, but his volleyed effort was pushed away by Lucas Perri.

Joshua Zirkzee, the subject of criticism often this season, stepped off the bench and scored a wonderful header to put United ahead 2-1 in the 89th minute. Kobbie Mainoo was the first to react to a loose ball in Lyon’s half and found Bruno Fernandes, who delivered a stunning cross that Zirkzee finished.

Unfortunately for the rest of United’s players, another Andre Onana mistake canceled out what should have been the late winner. The Cameroonian spilled an effort into the path of Rayan Cherki, who dunked the ball into the net with the last kick of the match.

Talking Point

Andre Onana is a liability and must be replaced this summer. Two mistakes from the 29-year-old cost United dearly and set up a stressful second leg in Manchester next week. The performance was so poor that Altay Bayindir should be considered for Sunday and Thursday’s matches.

Manchester United has already been linked to other goalkeepers such as Bart Verbruggen and Joan Garcia. If the club can find a suitable option early in the transfer window, they should take it.

Next Match

Before hosting Lyon next week, Manchester United travel to St. James’ Park to face a Newcastle United team fighting for a place in the Champions League.