“Amorim Backs Onana After Costly Errors in Man United’s Europa League Draw” 

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has defended goalkeeper Andre Onana after his mistakes cost the team in their 2-2 Europa League quarter-final first-leg draw against Lyon on Thursday. 

Onana was at fault for both Lyon goals, reigniting criticism over his performances this season. Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic had earlier labelled him “one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history,” a remark that added pressure ahead of the match. 

The Cameroonian shot-stopper failed to properly deal with Thiago Almada’s free-kick in the first half, allowing the ball to slip through his gloves. Later, in stoppage time, he spilled a shot from Georges Mikautadze, leading to Rayan Cherki’s equaliser. 

Despite the errors, Amorim stood by his goalkeeper, stating, “If you look at the season, I’ve made more mistakes than him in these last months. There’s nothing I can say to Andre right now that will help him. The most important thing is to stay natural, and when the time comes, I’ll pick the best XI.” 

The draw leaves United with work to do in the second leg at Old Trafford next Thursday. With the team struggling in 13th place in the Premier League, winning the Europa League appears to be their only realistic route to Champions League qualification next season. 

Onana’s form has been under scrutiny, with statistics showing he has made the most errors leading to goals among Premier League goalkeepers since the start of last season. However, Amorim insisted that the team shares responsibility, saying, “When one player makes a mistake, the whole team does. We move forward together.”

Former England winger Aaron Lennon, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, disagreed, stating that Onana’s teammates would be “fuming” over his performance, adding, “He has got to save both of them—he cost United today.” 

As pressure mounts, all eyes will be on whether Amorim keeps faith with Onana for the crucial return leg at Old Trafford.