Importance Score: 30 / 100 🔵
Manchester United and Lyon Contest Thrilling Europa League Quarter-Final Draw
In a captivating Europa League quarter-final first leg, Manchester United and Lyon battled to an evenly-matched draw. The contest, characterized by end-to-end action, saw both sides enjoy periods of dominance. Avoiding defeat was crucial for Manchester United, ensuring they head into the return leg at Old Trafford next week with the tie finely balanced.
Lyon took the lead courtesy of Thiago Almada’s hopeful cross, which evaded everyone, including Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who uncharacteristically failed to intercept. However, defender Leny Yoro swiftly equalized for United, heading home moments before the interval.
Substitute Joshua Zirkzee appeared to have secured a comeback victory with a superb finish late in the second half. Yet, Lyon responded in dramatic fashion as Rayan Cherki delicately chipped the ball over Onana in the dying seconds of added time, leaving the home side stunned.
Express Sport assesses the performances of the Manchester United players from this evening’s encounter…
Man Utd Player Ratings Versus Lyon
Goalkeepers
Andre Onana – Rating: 3
Following recent criticism and a reported disagreement with Nemanja Matic, Onana had an opportunity to silence doubters. Instead, his errors for both of Lyon’s goals only intensified scrutiny. His performance proved calamitous.
Defenders
Diogo Dalot – Rating: 6
Dalot began brightly but subsequently lost composure after Lyon’s opening goal, earning a yellow card for a needless foul on Nicolas Tagliafico. He contributed adequately in attack, combining effectively with Alejandro Garnacho on the right flank.
Noussair Mazraoui – Rating: 6
For the majority of the match, Mazraoui defended resolutely, demonstrating bravery in challenging Lyon’s advances. He experienced some unsettling moments, however, being outmaneuvered too easily by Georges Mikautadze on one occasion.
Harry Maguire – Rating: 6
Maguire endured a nervous moment when losing possession in a dangerous area, presenting Lyon with a clear opportunity to extend their advantage. Aside from this, he performed adequately and posed an aerial threat in attacking set-pieces.
Leny Yoro – Rating: 7
Yoro showcased excellent reactions to score his debut Manchester United goal with a close-range header just before half-time. He distributed the ball effectively and largely contained his direct opponent defensively.
Patrick Dorgu – Rating: 6
Dorgu displayed commendable work rate at both ends of the pitch, covering considerable ground on the left side. He fashioned an early clear-cut chance for Rasmus Hojlund, who squandered the opportunity.
Midfielders
Casemiro – Rating: 5
Casemiro executed an ambitious overhead kick attempt on target in the first half. Other than this isolated moment of inventiveness, he offered minimal impact. A largely unremarkable display.
Manuel Ugarte – Rating: 6
Ugarte endured an embarrassing moment being skillfully evaded by Nicolas Tagliafico in the first half. He improved as the game progressed and provided the assist for Yoro’s equalizing goal before the break. He received a booking for a push on Mikautadze.
Bruno Fernandes – Rating: 7
Fernandes led by example through his relentless energy and constant vocal encouragement of his teammates. He came close to scoring with a volleyed attempt that was deflected narrowly wide and was heavily involved in proceedings throughout.
Forwards
Alejandro Garnacho – Rating: 6
Garnacho appeared lively from the outset, finding himself in promising attacking positions. He created a significant opportunity for Fernandes with a dangerous delivery into the penalty area. He was unfortunate not to score late in the game, denied by a good save from Lucas Perri.
Rasmus Hojlund – Rating: 3
Hojlund lacked composure in possession, failing to convert a gilt-edged chance early in the match. He resembled a player low on confidence with only one goal in his previous 26 appearances. He is yet to convincingly demonstrate his suitability for a club of United’s standing.
Substitutes
Joshua Zirkzee – Rating: 8
Zirkzee entered the field just after the hour mark, replacing Rasmus Hojlund. He almost became the hero with an excellent headed goal in the closing stages but was denied a decisive moment by Cherki’s late equalizer. An impactful substitute appearance.
Mason Mount – Rating: 5
Mount was introduced for the final 20 minutes, taking the place of Manuel Ugarte. He was cautioned for shoving Tagliafico in a heated exchange following a loss of possession. Apart from this, he remained relatively subdued.
Victor Lindelof – Rating: n/a
Lindelof made a late appearance, substituting Harry Maguire in the final moments.
Kobbie Mainoo – Rating: n/a
Mainoo was another late substitution, replacing Alejandro Garnacho.