Joshua Zirkzee has urged his Manchester United to channel their disappointment in their way ahead of next week’s second leg against Lyon.
Manchester United drew 2-2 with Lyon after two errors from goalkeeper Andre Onana denied the Red Devils a victory in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final at the Groupama Stadium on Thursday night.
The hosts took the lead in the 25th minute but United fought back before half-time when Leny Yoro scored his first goal for the club.
With four goals scored in the game, it was Lyon who spoiled the party with an equaliser deep into second-half injury time when United transfer target Rayan Cherki took advantage of Onana’s second blunder of the night.
One of the biggest problems for United on the night was the lack of presence up front, especially before Rasmus Hojlund was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, who put the Reds ahead after coming on with a header.
The result means both teams have it all to do at Old Trafford next week to secure a place in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Joshua Zirkzeee ‘hurt’ after Lyon equaliser
Lyon’s late equaliser was a hard one to take because Manchester United were on the verge of a deserved morale-boosting result.
Both of Lyon’s goals came from Andre Onana mistakes and Ruben Amorim is bound to be quizzed on the keeper’s future between now and the summer transfer window.
Speaking to MUTV after the match, Zirkzee revealed that the dressing room was disappointed but stressed they must get their heads back in the game.
“It is not a bad result in the end, but it obviously hurts that their second goal came so late. Now we have to try and move forward and focus on the next game as quickly as possible,” Zirkzee said.
Hopefully, the setback suffered on Thursday night adds fire to the bellies of each player ahead of the second leg because United will need to be at their best to reach the semi-finals.
Zirkzee not underestimating Lyon
Unlike Andre Onana, Joshua Zirkzee was not looking to give Lyon any extra fuel to motivate them future ahead of next week’s crucial meeting.
The Netherlands international described Lyon as a ‘great team’ and he warned his United teammates about the danger they pose.
He added: “It is easy in this team. When you get on the pitch you have to perform and I think we all did well.
“Lyon are a great team so there will be moments where they are dangerous. But there were a lot of good moments we can take from this game and take to the next game.”
Amorim’s side must travel to Newcastle on Sunday before taking on Lyon, but it’s worth remembering that United’s first team drew their first leg with Real Sociedad before recording a comfortable win at Old Trafford.
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