There are question marks over whether Andre Onana will start in Manchester United’s crucial Europa League tie against Lyon.
It’s a hugely important week for Manchester United with their 2024/25 season hanging by a thread.
After United’s 2-2 draw against Lyon last week, Ruben Amorim’s side must win on Thursday night to secure a place in the Europa League semi-finals.
Andre Onana dominated the headlines after his nightmare display as he conceded two howlers to make life more difficult for United, who remain in the tie thanks to goals from Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee.
The Europa League is United’s only way back into the Champions League after a turbulent Premier League campaign.
United go into the second leg as the only club unbeaten in the Europa League this term and they will hope to keep that record for the remainder of the campaign.
Wes Brown stands by Andre Onana
Ruben Amorim dropped Onana for United’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle and Altay Bayindir took his place between the sticks to make his Premier League debut for the club.
United’s head coach explained that Onana needed to ‘disconnect’, which could see the Cameroon international start or dropped against Lyon for the second leg.
A poor display from Bayindir at St. James’ Park may force Amorim’s hand in the matter and former United defender Wes Brown believes Onana should be recalled for the crucial clash against Lyon.
“I think you have to bring Onana back,” Brown told Football 365. “Onana is the more experienced keeper and even though the mistakes in the first leg against Lyon were disappointing, as a footballer you have to be able to put that right.
“It’s going to be tough mentally for him, but he can do it. He’s had some great games this season and he needs another one on Thursday.”
Brown sets challenge for Manchester United stars
Manchester United have been written off by many this season, but the Europa League means there’s still reason to hope.
Brown went on to challenge Amorim’s players to take on the pressure and keep this season’s hopes alive.
“There is a lot of pressure on all the United players in this game and it’s just a question of whether they can handle it,” he added.
“I went to the first game in Lyon and they looked a lot like United. They had their spells when they looked good and we had ours. It’s going to come down to who makes the most of their chances when they have their moment.
“It looks like a very even match, but United are at home and they know the season is pretty much done if they lose this match. This is another chance for these players and they have to take it.
“It’s been a really bad season on so many levels. The only positive is we are still in the Europa League, that is our only hope this season.
“All of us have high expectations around United are always going to be very high and they are just not hitting anywhere near the levels that are needed.
“The standard at Manchester United is you need to be challenging for trophies. That means the Premier League, the cups and even if you don’t win everything, you are expected to be a team that’s there and challenging.
“They have this one last chance in the Europa League and you have to believe they will perform when it matters most.”
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