Manchester United conceded a late goal against Lyon as the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final finished 2-2 in France.
It was the first time Ruben Amorim kept the same Manchester United line-up since becoming head coach at the beginning of November. It was evident in many cases, especially with Casemiro, who struggled to perform in his third match in 10 days.
A howler from Andre Onana gifted Lyon the lead after 26 minutes when Thiago Almada’s cross found its way past the goalkeeper. It wasn’t the start United wanted in their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon.
United trailed until the end of the first-half when Leny Yoro was in the right place at the right time to direct a header past Lucas Perri.
It was a close battle between two teams determined to go all the way in the Europa League this season, but United scored late on thanks to a goal from Joshua Zirkzee.
Sadly, it wasn’t enough to win the game as United target Rayan Cherki equalised in stoppage time.
Here are five things we learned from United’s 2-2 draw with Lyon.
French authorities let down travelling Manchester United fans
There was lots of congestion outside the stadium as United fans endured a poor experience in France, meaning the away end was sparser than it normally would be ahead of kick-off.
This was because the metro system was down and thousands were unable to get to the expo arena to get buses that were arranged to take them to the stadium. However, the reason fans had to get to the expo was to pick up a wristband which would grant entry into the game.
Many fans were late getting into the stadium as a result.
Travelling to games across Europe is difficult enough without having to collect wristbands 7 miles away from where the match was held.
The French authorities have a lot to answer for after treating football fans appallingly after they’d spent their hard-earned money on flights, accommodation and a ticket.
Andre Onana gives Nemanja Matic what he wanted
Although Nemanja Matic didn’t play for Lyon tonight, the former Manchester United midfielder got what he wanted after 26 minutes when Andre Onana committed a howler to concede Lyon’s opening goal.
Onana’s pre-match comments showed a lack of respect for Lyon and it sparked a fiery reaction from Matic, who stated that the Cameroon international is the worst goalkeeper in United’s history.
United’s first-choice keeper did himself no favours when he produced another howler as his unconventional technique again failed him as he flapped at a cross that came from a free kick. He should’ve done better for Lyon’s second goal too.
Onana was jeered by the Lyon fans throughout the match but he brought that pressure on himself.
Leny Yoro scores first goal for Manchester United
Manchester United were trailing by a goal on the brink of half-time before Leny Yoro scored to put the Reds back on terms.
The 19-year-old defender scored his first goal for goal to become the sixth teenager to score in the Europa League for United when he directed in a header after an effort was punched away.
Other teenagers to score in the Europa League for United include Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo.
Moreover, Yoro takes Anthony Martial’s record as the youngest French player to score for United in the Europa League. The French striker was 20-years and 103 days old when he scored against Liverpool at Old Trafford back in March 2016.
Kobbie Mainoo makes eagerly awaited return
Manchester United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo came on in the final 10 minutes to replace Alejandro Garnacho, after returning from a long spell out injured.
It was Mainoo’s first appearance since 7 February when he picked up an injury in United’s 2-1 win over Leicester City in the FA Cup.
Mainoo’s return is a big bonus for United as his energy has been missed in midfield.
Joshua Zirkzee gave United hope
Scoring his seventh goal of the season, Joshua Zirkzee gave United the lead with time running out.
The Dutch striker replaced Rasmus Hojlund who offered very little after getting the nod from the start.
Zirkzee has now given the United head coach something to think about with his team selections in the future.
It’s just a shame the goal didn’t prove to be a winner as United conceded at the very end.
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