Andre Onana took centre stage in Man United’s 2-2 draw away at Lyon, the under-pressure goalkeeper making major errors to gift Lyon a pair of crucial goals.
The keeper had been under heavy scrutiny ahead of the match after Lyon’s Nemanja Matic had described him as ‘one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history,’ and he did little to redeem himself.
Thiago Almada opened the scoring completely accidentally as he swung a free-kick cross into Onana’s box, and he could only offer a weak attempt at a parry as no man took a touch and the shot ricocheted into the top corner.
The goal was admittedly against the run of play, as United had missed earlier chances through Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro, but it would be Leny Yoro coming to the visitors’ rescue with a sharp header moments before half-time.
Joshua Zirkzee would put the visitors in front with 88 minutes on the clock, also heading home from captain Bruno Fernandes’ deft cross, but his late heroics would be brutally cancelled out as Onana stumbled again.
With just seconds remaining in the five added minutes, he spilled a shot from Georges Mikautadze directly into the path of the oncoming Rayan Cherki, who is not one to miss from such close range, tapping in to bring Lyon level heading into the second leg.
Few tipped United for a win at the Groupama Stadium, but to come so close and be so cruelly denied will be a crushing blow. There is proof of concept, though, as United were more than equal to a theoretically superior Lyon side, who will have it all to do in the second leg at Old Trafford.
Lyon vs Manchester United latest news
- KICK OFF
- CHANCE: Hojlund fires wide
- GOAL! Major error from Onana as Almada opens the scoring
- GOAL! Yoro equalises with clinical header
- GOAL! Zirkzee with what may be the winner
Amorim says he will not drop Onana despite errors.
22:55 , Arthur FerridgeIt was another error-strewn performance from Andre Onana tonight, with the Ghanaian keeper at fault for both of Lyon’s goals.
Speaking at full-time, though, Amorim said he would be between the sticks for both Sunday’s Premier League tie in Newcastle and next week’s return leg against Lyon.
See his full quotes here.
Leny Yoro reacts: "It is a rough moment"
22:11 , Arthur FerridgeUnited’s first goalscorer Leny Yoro offers his assessment of the match.
On the late goal: “It is a rough moment to concede a goal like that. We got the draw and will try to win at home. We defended really well but they are a good team, good striker, but you need to be ready for everything and unfortunately we conceded.”
On scoring his first for United: “I didn’t enjoy too much, no celebration, it is normal, we want to win. I am really happy to score my first goal. We don’t have the win but it is ok.”
GOAL! Lyon 2-2 Man United
21:57 , Arthur Ferridge90+5mins: With just ten seconds remaining in injury time, its Rayan Cherki whose turn it is to break opposition hearts. Onana spills Mikautadze’s shot and its all too easy for Cherki, who deftly dinks home as the keeper takes centre stage again.
GOAL! Lyon 1-2 Man United
21:5088mins: GOAL FOR ZIRKZEE! THAT MAY WELL BE THE WINNER!
And who else but Fernandes to swing in a floating cross, which drops inch-perfect for Zirkzee to head just beyond the reach of Perri.
A smash and grab away win for United is very much on the cards now, if they can hold on.
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:48Close again for Lyon! Maybe Lacazette really is cursed playing against United.
A striker of his experience and calibre should be doing better from there as he shot well over from the corner of the 18-yard box.
He won’t be putting many clips from this match on his highlight reel.
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:44 , Arthur Ferridge83mins: More liquid football from the hosts, who combine in great style down the right wing to tee up Cherki for a shot, but he lashes his effort into Row Z.
Garnacho makes way for the returning Kobbie Mainoo, while Maguire makes way for Lindelof.
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:42 , Arthur Ferridge78mins: Perri makes another huge save from close range, putting the United shot over the top, and Casemiro heads wide from the resultant corner.
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:40 , Arthur Ferridge79mins: Handbags are out as Mason Mount and Alexandre Lacazette square up to each other.
Remnants of London Derby testiness between the former Chelsea and Arsenal men.
The referee is firing yellow cards from the hip - recipients include Mount and Tagliafico.
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:34 , Arthur Ferridge73mins: As fans clamour for a third goal, both sides seem deeply intent on keeping the score at 1-1.
Fernandes takes a free-kick from the left flank, and it is frankly hard to say whether he shot or crossed the ball.
Either way, nothing came of it.
Amorim rolls the dice again, bringing on Mason Mount for Manuel Ugarte.
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:32 , Arthur Ferridge68mins: How has neither team scored there?! Lyon went close after Maitland-Niles skipped past Dorgu and set up a shot, which was saved, before Garnacho and Fernandes blitzed a two-on-two counter attack, which came to nought after Garnacho’s misplaced cross.
This can’t end 1-1, can it?
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:27 , Arthur Ferridge66mins: Close again for Lyon! Mikautadze spins into the box with an acrobatic first touch but his shot from a tight angle flies wide. He’s been a real live wire this half.
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:26 , Arthur Ferridge65mins: Tolisso has to do better! He picks up the ball on the edge of the box and sends Mazraoui for chips with a textbook dummy, but scuffs his shot right into Onana’s hands.
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:2563mins: Amorim plays his hand - Hojlund makes way for Zirkzee.
How many times have we seen that change this season? Will anything come of it? Stay tuned, sports fans!
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:2360mins: For all the tens of millions of pounds worth of attackers on this pitch, it is Leny Yoro who looks most likely to score.
The full-back drives forward, cuts inside, and shoots low from just outside the box, his shot zipping about a foot wide of the left post as Perri stood rooted.
Half an hour to go, now, and the two sides are impossible to separate. This could go either way.
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:1857mins: Worth noting that Lacazette seems to carry some kind of curse when he plays against United. This is his ninth appearance against the Red Devils, during which time he has only managed one goal.
The one goal he did score against them came in a home 1-3 loss in his Arsenal days, way back in December 2017. Ancient history, it must be said, but those demons could still be put to bed with a goal tonight.
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:1553mins: Manuel Ugarte becomes the second United player booked for a harmless if cynical clip of the ankles on Mikaudatze.
Lacazette goes very, very close to putting Lyon back in front moments later, but his volley floats wide. He has tried to guide it into the far corner but doesn’t quite catch it right.
He really should be scoring from there, shooting from the edge of the six-yard box. Will Lyon come to rue that miss?
Lyon 1-1 Man United
21:12 , Arthur Ferridge50mins: Lyon forced into a change as Paul Akouokou goes down injured and doesn’t seem to be able to continue. He hobbles off under assistance from the trainers and is replaced by former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.
A central midfielder makes way for a 33-year-old target man. What is Paolo Fonseca cooking up here?
Back underway at the Groupama
21:07 , Arthur Ferridge45mins: We go again - another 45 minutes.
No changes for either side at the break.
First half flicks
21:04 , Arthur Ferridge
Half-time: Lyon 1-1 Man United
20:53 , Arthur FerridgeHalf-time: The planned half-time post was going to ponder whether United deserved to be behind, but Leny Yoro’s goal in the dying seconds of injury time has answered that question.
United have had the better of the chances and Lyon have frankly been wasteful, their opener more a product of clumsy goalkeeping than incisive attacking.
It is all to play for in the second half!
GOAL: Lyon 1-1 Man United
20:52 , Arthur Ferridge45+4mins: In the dying seconds of the half, Leny Yoro equalises on his return to France! Fernandes’ free-kick is parried away to Ugarte, who pings the ball back into the box on the volley for Yoro to instinctively head home.
It is a fantastic finish from the 19-year-old, and a brutal time for Lyon to concede. The equaliser is more than deserved, though, it has to be said.
Lyon 1-0 Man United
20:49 , Arthur Ferridge45+3mins: Poor from Mikautadze, who is faced with a two-on-one against Mazraoui, decides to go alone, and is tackled. To double Lyon’s lead there would have been a gut punch for United, but the difference remains at one.
Lyon 1-0 Man United
20:46 , Arthur Ferridge45mins: Four minutes of injury time are added.
Lyon 1-0 Man United
20:4140mins: A brief break in play as a player receives treatment, so let’s look back at the first goal.
It's poor anticipation from Andre Onana as Lyon take an early lead through Thiago Almada 🎯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 10, 2025
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/4qpau9jr8u
Lyon 1-0 Man United
20:39 , Arthur Ferridge39mins: United have a corner which Fernandes drops sweetly into the six-yard box, but Perri parries.
It has been a strong half from the Lyon keeper, who has made a handful of saves already.
Lyon 1-0 Man United
20:37 , Arthur Ferridge37mins: United take a leaf out of the late-noughties Stoke City playbook as Dalot heaves a long throw into the box, but it is easily cleared by the Lyon defence.
Lyon 1-0 Man United
20:3232mins: United’s descent down the slippery slope has begun. Only took a half hour!
Dalot flies in with a reckless tackle on Tagliafico and is booked for his troubles. He has a long evening on his hands as Mikaudatze is already keeping him very busy.
Lyon 1-0 Man United
20:31 , Arthur Ferridge30mins: Upon further inspection, that was particularly poor goalkeeping from Onana. He waited too long for one of his defenders to get a touch on the cross and failed to react.
The ball was still very much within reach as he eventually dove, but his flapping parry didn’t quite connect.
Matic 1, Onana 0. One hour remains.
GOAL: Lyon 1-0 Man United
20:27 , Arthur Ferridge25mins: Almada opens the scoring and Onana is blushing!
Of all the matches to pull off a fumble like that, tonight was not it.
Almada’s free-kick cross goes untouched as it bounces across the box and inexplicably ends up in the top corner of Onana’s goal.
The ultras are loving it, naturally. Matic, vindicated.
Lyon 0-0 Man United
20:24 , Arthur Ferridge24mins: Fernandes goes very close!
This match is nothing if not end to end, and now its United’s turn to attack. Garnacho drives to the line and powers a low cross to Fernandes, whose shot is glanced over the bar.
An element of luck for the hosts, there.
Casemiro attempts a bicycle kick from the resultant corner, but it does not carry the requisite pace to trouble Lyon ‘keeper Perri.
Lyon 0-0 Man United
20:19 , Arthur Ferridge19mins: Oh, Rasmus. It's the best chance of the night so far as Dorgu pulls the ball back to Hojlund on his strong foot. Its a perfect position, but he scuffs it badly.
The ball bobbles pathetically behind for a goal kick.
Lyon 0-0 Man United
20:17 , Arthur Ferridge17mins: Lyon look to be right up for this. They are playing with smooth, bold class, knocking the ball around with sharp vertical passes as they slice through the United midfield.
It looks like it might only be a matter of time before they break the deadlock. That will be an awkward moment for Onana, who is set up in front of the Lyon ultras for the first half and has already copped plenty of verbal abuse.
Lyon 0-0 Man United
20:14 , Arthur Ferridge13mins: It is going to be a long, long night for Diogo Dalot. Georges Mikautadze gets on the ball on the left flank, looks at Dalot, and runs around him like he isn’t even there.
The run comes to nothing, ultimately, but the statement of intent has been made.
Lyon 0-0 Man United
20:12 , Arthur Ferridge11mins: Lyon’s turn to take a corner, now, and it is not the best you’ve seen, barely beating the first man before it is quickly cleared.
Lyon 0-0 Man United
20:09 , Arthur Ferridge8mins: Who else but Ainsley Maitland-Niles to clear the first United corner of the evening?
It hasn’t taken long but Lyon seem to have woken up a little now as they make their first forays forward.
Lyon 0-0 Man United
20:07 , Arthur Ferridge5mins: United make a fast start in Lyon - they look really, really sharp. A fast attack earns a free kick high on the right flank and Bruno Fernandes’ cross very nearly snuck in, but it bounces out for a first corner of the night.
Lyon 0-0 Man United
20:04 , Arthur Ferridge3mins: Clinton Mata challenges Hojlund for a high ball and falls awkwardly as the trainers come onto the pitch for the second time tonight.
Mata is down holding the back of his head - that’s never a good sign.
Lyon 0-0 Man United
20:021min: Garnacho gets clattered early doors, barged unceremoniously off the ball by Paul.
Onana was loudly booed when he took his first touch of the ball. Expect that for the rest of the night.
KICK OFF
20:00 , Arthur FerridgeKICK OFF: The home side get us underway.
It looks as though the aforementioned metro delays have inhibited a lot of the United faithful from getting to the ground, though. The away section is still half empty.
The home fans are in full voice, though. They have wasted absolutely no time in breaking out the Poznan.
Amorim: Hojlund just needs to do his job
19:55 , Arthur FerridgeRuben Amorim speaks to TNT Sport, playing down concerns that this match will be the biggest of his United career so far. Here’s what he had to say, with kick-off just around the corner:
Biggest game of your United career? “Every game is important. I know if you look at the season, we have the opportunity to go to the Champions League, but every game is important.”
Hojlund selection: “I just want Rasmus to try to do his job. He is improving in a lot of things. Of course he wants to score, but he is helping the team.”
Lyon’s threats: “We need to be aggressive. They have the physicality but they can play really well with the ball. We have to be smart in every detail of the game.”
Lyon's route
19:50 , Arthur FerridgeLyon were just three points behind Man United in the league phase, doing enough to make it through to the round of 16 without having to appear in a playoff.
Romanian side FCSB did little to inhibit in their first knockout matches - Lyon won 7-1 over two legs.
Should they get past United here, they will face either Rangers or Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals.
Just a quarter of an hour to go...
19:45 , Arthur FerridgeAre we feeling the nerves yet, football fans? Just 15 minutes until kick-off now!
Chelsea have rather set the standard for the evening, comfortably beating Legia Warsaw in the early Conference League kick-off.
While United are admittedly facing stiffer opposition, 0-3 will be the bar. Can they match the Blues?
Man United's route
19:43 , Arthur FerridgeDespite struggling in the Premier League this year, United have reached this stage of the Europa League effectively uninhibited.
They finished third in the league phase before beating Real Sociedad 5-2 in the round of 16.
And here we are, in the quarter-finals. How much further can they progress?
Andre Onana greets the travelling support
19:33 , Arthur FerridgeAmong the first United players on the pitch is Andre Onana, who was all over the news this week after Matic called him the worst goalkeeper in United history.
Several of the away contingent can say they have something to prove tonight - Onana is chief among them.
Can Hojlund build on his Europa League record?
19:26The footballing world is surely beginning to grow tired of the name Rasmus Hojlund. Discussions of his difficulties since moving to Old Trafford are nothing if not repetitive.
As such, Ruben Amorim's decision to give the Dane the nod up top over Joshua Zirkzee will once again come under the microscope.
There may well be method to the madness, though. As we are all well aware, it has been a difficult season for the Dane, but 5 of his 8 goals this campaign have come in the Europa League.
Amorim will hope he can build on that record tonight.
Maitland-Niles looks to build on a strong record against United
19:16Colney graduate Ainsley Maitland-Niles began his footballing career at Arsenal many moons ago, spending nine years in the first team setup (he spent several of those on loan) and winning an FA Cup while he was at it.
He left the Emirates on a permanent basis in 2023, joining Lyon, where he has become something of a fixture.
The full-back will be relying on his Premier League experience (109 apps) tonight as he squares up to an old rival in Manchester United, whom he has beaten three times in six matches.
Matic and Lacazette benched
19:05 , Arthur FerridgeMatic will be eating humble pie for his pre-match meal tonight.
For all the pre-match trash talking, in which Matic called United goalie Andre Onana the worst shot-stopper in club history, the Serb is relegated to the bench.
Onana starts for United, though. That’s a tough break for Nemanja.
Benched alongside Matic is former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, who is Lyon’s leading goalscorer this season. Paolo Fonseca opts instead for the pace of Mikaudatze and twinkle-toes of Cherki across the front line.
Also on the bench is former Southampton centre-back Duje Caleta-Car. Remember him? How could you forget! The Croat scored the first of his two Southampton goals in a 1-2 FA Cup loss to Grimsby Town. Illustrious.
CONFIRMED LYON TEAM NEWS: Cherki and Mikautadze start up top
19:00 , Arthur FerridgeBetter late than never: here’s how Lyon line up:
Lyon XI: Perri, Maitland-Niles, Mata, Niakhate, Tagliafico, Akouokou, Veretout, Cherki, Almada, Tolisso, Mikautadze
Lyon subs: Descamps, Kumbedi, Omari, Barisic, Molebe, De Carvalho, Diarra, Caleta Car, Abner, Lacazette, Rodriguez, Matic
Who will start for Lyon?
18:56 , Arthur FerridgeThe hosts are yet to bless us with the knowledge of their starting XI, but star winger Rayan Cherki has been pictured arriving at the Groupama Stadium.
The 21-year-old has attracted attention from clubs across Europe due to his skillfull dribbling and flair for the dramatic.
He will be tricky for United to contain tonight.
CONFIRMED UNITED LINEUP: Mainoo and Mount make the bench, Hojlund starts for United
18:47 , Arthur FerridgeThe teamsheets are in! Here’s how United line up at the Groupama Stadium...
Man Utd XI: Onana; Dorgu, Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro, Dalot; Ugarte, Casemiro; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Man Utd subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Amass, Kamason, Kukonki, Lindelof, Shaw, Eriksen, Mainoo, Moorhouse, Mount, Zirkzee
Lineups to come next...
18:40 , Arthur FerridgeWill Mainoo start for United? Is Mason Mount still in the conversation to get minutes in midfield?
Who will replace Malick Fofana and Ernest Nuamah? Will Alexandre Lacazette’s Premier League experience be called upon?
These questions and more to be answered next.
United fans arrive at the Groupama Stadium
18:35 , Arthur FerridgeMan United’s X account has shared some photos of supporters who have made the trip to France for tonight’s tie. Great commitment from them to manage a weeknight European away day.
Representing on the road 🛣️#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/O3oqNHGdkv
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 10, 2025
Man United predicted lineup: Maguire, Zirkzee, Hoijlund?
18:30 , Arthur FerridgeWe can expect some rotation from Ruben Amorim tonight.
Asked if Mainoo could start in France, Ruben Amorim said: "In this moment, we have to be careful with Kobbie. He had some games out so we have to be careful with his fitness. We are really pleased with him, but we have to be careful with him."
Matthijs de Ligt has again been ruled out, though, with the same foot injury which saw him miss the drab Manchester draw at Man City. With Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven and Jonny Evans ruled out, Harry Maguire should again start alongside the impressive Leny Yoro.
Manchester United predicted XI: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fernandes, Garnacho; Zirkzee
Injured: De Ligt, Martinez, Amad, Shaw, Heaven, Evans, Collyer
Match odds: Lyon vs Man United
18:25 , Arthur FerridgeWith just over an hour to kick-off, here’s the latest from the bookies.
Lyon to win: 7/4
Draw: 17/10
United to win: 13/10
Odds via Batfair (subject to change)
The United travelling squad features one key name
18:20 , Arthur FerridgeUnited fans up and down the country will be thrilled to see Kobbie Mainoo back in the squad for the first time since he was injured in February.
Having only returned to team training this week, you wouldn’t imagine he will play for very long, if at all, but his presence is encouragement enough.
See the United travelling squad in full below.
United in Lyon 🫡🇫🇷#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/LEgCVgjIgQ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 10, 2025
Travel chaos in Lyon as Metro breaks down
18:16 , Arthur FerridgeIf you are a Man United fan and happen to be reading this from Lyon, now may be the time to head to the stadium.
The Lyon Metro system appears to be down city-wide, with replacement buses set to leave from Place Bellcour.
More buses are planned for post-match.
Lyon vs Man United: Head to head (h2h) history and results
18:10Believe it or not, this will be just the fifth meeting between these two sides, the most recent being a friendly in summer of 2023. That ended in a 1-0 United win at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Donny van de Beek the goalscorer.
Yeah, that Donny van de Beek. Remember him?
Here’s how the competitive head-to-head record shakes out:
Lyon wins: 0
Draws: 2
Man United wins: 2
Amorim downplays Matic and Onana's disagreement
18:04 , Arthur FerridgeRuben Amorim was made to play diplomat after Matic and Onana’s exchange, saying the Lyon midfielder had misunderstood Onana’s message.
He told the press: “I think it will not matter. So I think sometimes the players don’t listen or the coaches don’t listen to the full quote and sometimes it’s just a misunderstanding.
“Tomorrow is going to be a normal game.”
No love lost between Matic and Onana
17:57 , Arthur FerridgeSome harsh words were exchanged between Lyon’s Nemanja Matic and United ‘keeper Andre Onana ahead of tonight’s match.
After Onana said he felt United would be favourites in the tie, Matic clapped back while on pre-match media duties, saying of the Ghana international: “When you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history, you need to take care what you’re talking about.”
Matic has enjoyed a trophy-laden career, though won nothing in five years at Old Trafford.
This first leg, then, may well be about bragging rights. Both men have talked the talk, but who will walk the walk?
Prediction: A tight clash in southern France, but one side has a clear advantage
17:42 , Arthur FerridgeThis Man United side seem to be making a happy hunting ground of the Europa League, but that trend may soon end. Travelling to France with a stretched, injury-hit defence and set to face one of the more lively attacks in the competition, replete with the pace of Rayan Cherki and Georges Mikautadze, United will be hard-pressed to keep a clean sheet.
Given Lyon have not conceded more than two goals in a match thus far in the tournament, they will surely be able to stand up to the challenge set by the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho. One could argue United have grown over-reliant on Bruno Fernandes’ heroics this campaign, but the Portuguese superstar will need some assistance to get one over on Lyon.
Lyon to win, 2-1.
United team news: De Ligt misses out but Mainoo returns
17:40 , Arthur FerridgePerhaps the biggest story coming out of Carrington ahead of this match was Kobbie Mainoo’s return to the matchday squad for the first time since February. United have struggled in his absence, and while he has travelled with the team, it is unclear how many minutes he will receive, if any.
Ayden Heaven has been a sensational addition to Amorim’s squad since signing from Arsenal in January, but will also miss out having suffered an injury to his foot.
Jonny Evans and Amad Diallo have both stayed in the UK as they recover from longer-term injuries.
Lyon team news: Nuamah and Fofana miss out in major blow
17:37 , Arthur FerridgeThe hosts will be without two of their most productive forwards in this match, as Ernest Nuamah and Malick Fofana have both suffered major injuries.
Fofana, who has sprained his knee, had been Lyon’s top goalscorer in the Europa League this season, with six goals to his name, while Nuamah has ruptured his ACL.
Manager Paolo Fonseca will also return to the touchline despite having been banned from doing so by the French FA after he squared up to a referee in November. His ban does not extend to European competition, though.
How to watch Lyon vs Manchester United
17:34 , Arthur FerridgeIn the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting from 7pm BST.
TNT Sports subscribers can catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Highlights can be found on the TNT Sports YouTube channel at full-time.
And, of course, you can follow all the action right here with the London Standard’s live blog.
Lyon vs Manchester United LIVE
17:31 , Arthur FerridgeGood evening, and welcome to the London Standard’s live coverage of Lyon vs Manchester United.
United make the trip to France for this, the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final as they look to bring some life back to an otherwise dismal season in which they started slowly under Erik ten Hag and have not been revived under Ruben Amorim.
Kick-off is at 8pm, so stay tuned for match buildup, team news, and live updates on the action at the Groupama Stadium.
