Manchester United’s hopes of taking control of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie against Olympique Lyonnais were undone by two critical errors from goalkeeper André Onana, as the Red Devils settled for a dramatic 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Groupama Stadium.

United began the night with confidence, controlling possession and dictating play through midfield. But in the 25th minute, Lyon found an unexpected breakthrough. Thiago Almada’s in-swinging free-kick from the left seemed destined for a routine catch until Onana misjudged the flight of the ball completely, allowing it to float untouched into the back of the net. It was a moment that stunned the visitors and gave Lyon the early edge.

However, just before halftime, United found a lifeline. In the 44th minute, 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro scored his first goal for the club, rising highest to meet a corner kick and heading home the equalizer. The goal restored parity and gave United renewed momentum heading into the second half.

The second period remained finely balanced until the 88th minute, when substitute Joshua Zirkzee gave Manchester United a deserved lead. The young Dutch forward met a deep cross at the far post with a powerful header to make it 2-1, and it looked as though the Red Devils would return to Old Trafford with a valuable away win.

But disaster struck in stoppage time.

Georges Mikautadze unleashed a low shot from the edge of the box in the 95th minute. Onana failed to hold onto the ball cleanly, parrying it straight into the path of Rayan Cherki, who made no mistake in slotting home the equalizer. The late concession sent shockwaves through the United bench and capped off a frustrating night for their Cameroonian goalkeeper.

The performance reignited criticism of Onana, who had already come under fire earlier in the week from former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who branded him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.” Onana dismissed those remarks ahead of the game, but his showing against Lyon is likely to intensify scrutiny over his place in the team.

Despite the result, United manager Ruben Amorim stood by his keeper.

“When one player makes a mistake, all of the team makes a mistake,” Amorim said after the match. “We continue like that.” He confirmed that Onana will remain first choice for the remainder of the competition.

With the tie delicately poised at 2-2, Manchester United must now regroup ahead of the decisive second leg at Old Trafford. Defensive concentration will be key, and all eyes will be on whether Onana can recover his composure and help his team progress to the semifinals of the competition.