Manchester United were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night at the Groupama Stadium.
Despite a week dominated by headlines off the pitch—particularly a public spat between
Andre Onana and Nemanja Matic—it was Onana who found himself under scrutiny again after two costly errors.
The opener came in the 26th minute when Thiago Almada’s free-kick drifted through a crowded box and into the net, catching Onana completely flat-footed. Just before half-time, United pulled level thanks to a sharp header from
Leny Yoro, who reacted quickest to Manuel Ugarte’s wayward strike.
Substitute Joshua Zirkzee looked to have sealed a dramatic comeback win with a well-taken header late in the second half, but United’s joy was short-lived. In stoppage time, Rayan Cherki capitalized on another mistake from Onana to secure a draw for the hosts.
Here’s how United’s players rated:
A night to forget. Completely misread Almada’s cross for Lyon’s opener and then failed to command his area for the late equaliser. Two glaring errors at crucial moments.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
Strong defensive showing, especially covering for Dalot. Composed and confident, particularly on the right side of a back three—his most natural position.
Harry Maguire – 6
A shaky outing. Sloppy in possession early on and didn’t inspire confidence. Subbed late on.
Leny Yoro – 8
Scored his first goal for United with a poacher’s header and showed composure throughout. Continued a run of strong performances that should earn him wider recognition.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Linked well with Garnacho and created a decent chance for Fernandes. Booked for a reckless foul and faded in influence as the game progressed.
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Erratic in the final third but grabbed a fortunate assist for Yoro’s goal. Booked for a cynical foul and looked off the pace overall.
Casemiro – 7
A steady presence in midfield. Went close with an overhead kick and performed more effectively than his partner Ugarte.
Patrick Dorgu – 5
Energetic down the flank. Set up a golden chance for Hojlund and delivered another fine cross for Garnacho. Key in breaking down Lyon’s counters.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Influential as ever. Created the opening for Yoro’s goal with a precise set piece and assisted Zirkzee’s header with a pinpoint delivery.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
Bright moments in the first half but lacked end product. Missed a great opportunity to put United ahead at 2-1.
Rasmus Hojlund – 4
Squandered a clear-cut chance from Dorgu’s cutback and struggled to make an impact. Another quiet night.
Substitutes
Joshua Zirkzee – 8
Came off the bench and did exactly what was asked—found space and buried his header. Unlucky not to end up the match-winner.
Mason Mount – 7
Brought energy but got himself booked after a heated exchange with Tagliafico.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Made a welcome return from injury and played a key role in the build-up to Zirkzee’s goal.
Victor Lindelöf – 6
Slotted in late and helped close out the game—until Onana’s late lapse.
Manager – 8
Stuck with an unchanged lineup for the first time—a bold move that mostly paid off. Hojlund’s inclusion was questionable, but the team structure was solid and substitutions made a tangible difference.