Lyon 2-2 Manchester United | Five Talking Points

Manchester United conceded late in a 2-2 draw with Lyon following a fascinating Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash in France.

Ruben Amorim thought his side had claimed an invaluable victory when Joshua Zirkzee headed home in the dying minutes. However, the home side profited from an Andre Onana error in the fifth minute of injury time to level the fixture ahead of a return to the North West.

It was the goalkeeper’s second howler of the evening, after a first-half free-kick from Thiago Almada gifted Lyon the early advantage.

Leny Yoro pounced on the stroke of half-time to net his first goal for the club with a brilliant header in a tightly contested affair, but United will be frustrated not to have preserved their lead.

Here are five talking points from a closely fought battle at the Groupama Stadium.

Onana’s blunders cost United

Andre Onana’s spat with Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic dominated the build-up to the game. Ironically, the match was defined by two costly errors by the former Inter Milan man.

United’s number one could only flap at Almada’s inswinging free-kick for the first goal, allowing it to bounce over him and drift into the net as the hosts took the lead.

With time virtually up and United defending a priceless lead, the Cameroonian parried a shot back into danger to allow the gleeful Rayan Cherki to level the tie.

Thursday night’s howlers add to the ever-growing catalogue of errors by the much-maligned goalkeeper. Ruben Amorim faces a critical decision as to whether or not to keep him in the starting XI for the return leg at Old Trafford.

Whatever happens, United will surely be considering their options in the summer.

Yoro bags his first goal for Manchester United

It was another solid performance from Leny Yoro, who was back on French soil for the first time since his high-profile move from Lille last July.

The teenager scored a vital goal in first-half stoppage time, and his ability to divert Manuel Ugarte’s attempted volley into the net was a joy to watch.

He is growing in stature with every passing minute and seems to be oozing confidence presently.

Make no mistake, Ruben Amorim has a real talent on his hands, and his fledgling career will only continue to gain momentum in M16.

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Zirkzee makes a big impact off the bench

Joshua Zirkzee replaced the ineffective Rasmus Hojlund after 63 minutes, producing the desired effect for his team.

He settled early, and his efforts were rewarded when he powered United in front after an exquisite dinked cross from Bruno Fernandes.

It was the Dutchman’s seventh goal of the season, and it looked to be the winner until Cherki’s last-gasp intervention denied the visitors.

After a mixed first campaign in England, the former Bologna man has started to show more of his capabilities and deserves to start the next game.

Kobbie Mainoo makes long-awaited return

There was a welcome return to first-team action for 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo following his second-half introduction.

The midfielder has been out injured since early February, but looked as smooth as ever in his twelve-minute spell on the pitch.

Crucially, he played a part in United’s second goal, retrieving a loose ball before cushioning a header to the onrushing Fernandes.

It’s hugely positive having Mainoo back fit and available. Let’s hope he stays injury-free and has a strong end to the season.

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All to play for in the return leg at Old Trafford

With the tie finely balanced heading into the second leg, there is still everything to play for at Old Trafford next Thursday evening.

It will be an undoubtedly crucial game for United, with the Europa League the only realistic chance of salvaging anything from a dreadful campaign.

Truthfully, it was a bitter pill to swallow in conceding so late in the game, but the Reds will have to dust themselves down and prepare for a massive week ahead.

What did you make of this Manchester United performance in their draw away to Lyon? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.