Zirkzee defends Onana amid blame after drawing against Lyon
- Manchester United held a tense match in Lyon, where they settled for a 2-2 draw in the Europa League quarter-final.
- Goalkeeper Andre Onana was criticized for his performance, particularly for two late goals conceded.
- Players, including Joshua Zirkzee, took collective responsibility, asserting that blaming one player like Onana was unjust.
In Lyon, France, Manchester United faced a disappointing draw in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final. During a crucial match on Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Red Devils squandered a potential victory thanks to late mistakes, most notably by goalkeeper Andre Onana. After taking a 2-1 lead with a late header from Joshua Zirkzee, United's defense faltered, allowing Lyon to equalize with a free-kick goal and a subsequent rebound in the dying seconds of stoppage time. Following the game, tensions mounted between players as Onana received harsh criticism from Nemanja Matic, who accused him of being one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history. However, Zirkzee publicly defended Onana, insisting that the entire team shared the blame for the draw and that placing it solely on one player was unreasonable. Manager Ruben Amorim echoed this sentiment, noting that all players made mistakes during the match. Despite the setback, Amorim remains confident in Onana's abilities as the team prepares for their next hurdle against Newcastle. The outcome of the quarter-final has become pivotal for United, as progress in the Europa League presents their only chance for silverware and potential European qualification amidst a lackluster Premier League campaign, where they currently sit 13th.