Manchester United will head into the Europa League quarter-final second leg with a challenging task ahead after settling for a 2-2 draw against Lyon in France, a match that left the Red Devils feeling frustrated. The result was particularly disappointing as they had the chance to secure an important away win, but their hopes were dashed by a series of errors, especially from goalkeeper André Onana, which proved costly in the final stages of the match.

Onana’s performance stood out for all the wrong reasons, overshadowing the team's efforts. Just 24 hours after confidently stating that United were “way better” than their opponents, Onana’s blunders did little to back up that claim. The first of these came when he fumbled a tame shot from Thiago Almada into the net, handing Lyon an early lead in the match.

The goal was a painful moment for Onana and for United fans, especially after the goalkeeper had been publicly criticized by former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who had called him one of the “worst goalkeepers” in the club’s modern history. Matic’s pre-match comments seemed to resonate as Onana's mistake gave Lyon the advantage.

Despite this setback, United rallied well. Leny Yoro, making only his fifth start for the club, leveled the score just before half-time with his first-ever goal for Manchester United, bringing some hope back to the team. It was a crucial moment, and Yoro’s goal gave the visitors a fighting chance as they headed into the second half with the match back on level terms.

In the 88th minute, substitute Joshua Zirkzee looked to have sealed the win for United when he rose to meet a precise cross from Bruno Fernandes, heading the ball into the net after a swift counter-attack led by Kobbie Mainoo. The away fans in the stadium began to believe that United had done enough to secure a crucial win on the road, which would have given them a strong advantage heading into the second leg at Old Trafford.

However, just when it seemed like the Red Devils were on the verge of a huge away victory, disaster struck in stoppage time. Onana, who had already been at fault for Lyon's first goal, spilled a low shot from Corentin Tolisso. Rayan Cherki was quick to pounce on the loose ball, calmly slotting it into the net to score the equalizer for Lyon. It was a devastating blow for United, who had been so close to sealing the win.

Now, Manchester United’s hopes of progressing in the Europa League and securing a spot in next season’s Champions League will depend on the outcome of the return leg at Old Trafford. With the aggregate score tied at 2-2, the second leg will be a do-or-die encounter. Manager Ruben Amorim, who had hoped to take a crucial away advantage back to Manchester, was left to rue what could have been a decisive victory for his side.