In a thrilling UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford, Manchester United overcame a rocky start to claim a stunning victory over Olympique Lyonnais, with a final score of 5-4 on aggregate after a dramatic match that saw both teams exchange leads.
Head coach Ruben Amorim reinstated André Onana as the starting goalkeeper for Manchester United, despite the Cameroonian's shaky performances earlier in the tournament. Onana was dropped following a poor showing in the first leg, where he was at fault for Lyon’s opening goal in a match that ended in a 2-2 draw. After a weekend benching in a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle, Onana's return was met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike.
Amorim's decision to start Onana was pivotal as the goalkeeper's confidence was put to the test early on. In the tenth minute, Manuel Ugarte scored, giving United a crucial lead and igniting a wave of jubilation in the stands. Onana, in a moment of exuberance, celebrated in front of the Lyon fans who had booed him during the first leg, performing a cheeky jig that divided opinions among viewers. While some praised his audacity, others criticized him for tempting fate so early in the match.
Following Ugarte's goal, Diogo Dalot doubled the lead for United, putting them ahead 2-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate. However, the match took a dramatic turn as Lyon responded with ferocity, scoring four unanswered goals, including two during extra time. This sudden shift left United fans in shock as their team seemed on the brink of elimination.
Despite the adversity, United's resilience shone through in the dying minutes of the match. Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire all scored in rapid succession, turning the tide back in favor of the Red Devils. The atmosphere at Old Trafford was electric as the home side mounted a comeback that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
Amorim acknowledged the scrutiny Onana faced after his earlier mistakes but expressed confidence in his goalkeeper’s ability to perform under pressure. "This is the big factor in being a coach: everything you do has two ways. If he is going to be really good tomorrow – I am sure of that – but if it is the other way, people will say it is a bad decision. We never know," Amorim stated, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication with his players.
In the aftermath of the match, Onana sprinted to Amorim, lifting his manager in celebration—a symbolic gesture of their shared triumph. The victory not only secured United's place in the semi-finals but also highlighted the team's fighting spirit, setting the stage for a potential clash against Rangers or Athletic Bilbao.
While the win was a moment of joy for United, the match also raised questions about Onana’s future with the club. Amorim hinted at the possibility of signing a new goalkeeper in the summer, stating, "We are going to make that evaluation for any position in the squad. You can see my record [too] – my record is the worst in the team. I am also underperforming. We need to improve. We cannot change all the players. We need to improve every position on the field. Goalkeeper is the same; we can work with André."
As the season progresses, United fans will be eager to see how Onana responds to the pressures of high-stakes matches, especially with the looming prospect of new signings. The team must now focus on building momentum as they prepare for their next challenges, both in the league and on the European stage.
In conclusion, the match against Lyon was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the highs and lows of football. With a thrilling finish and a place in the semi-finals secured, Manchester United fans can look forward to what lies ahead, hoping their team can maintain this newfound momentum.
