Europa League: Amorim Supports Onana Despite Mistakes in Lyon Draw

Synopsis

Manchester United's Ruben Amorim has expressed unwavering confidence in Andre Onana despite the goalkeeper's costly mistakes during the dramatic 2-2 draw against Lyon in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals. Amorim addressed the media, emphasizing the importance of composure and focusing on improvement as they prepare for the second leg.

Key Takeaways

Amorim remains confident in Onana's abilities.
Onana's mistakes led to Lyon's equalizer.
Amorim emphasizes the need for player focus and training.
Onana's errors followed a pre-match controversy with Matic.
The return leg is crucial for Manchester United's progression.

Lyon, April 11 (NationPress) Manchester United's manager Ruben Amorim expressed strong confidence in Andre Onana even after the goalkeeper's blunders contributed to Lyon's dramatic last-minute 2-2 draw in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals. Amorim's team saw potential victory slip away in the first leg, highlighted by a chaotic finish in Lyon where the scrutinized goalkeeper was responsible for both goals.

Onana's initial error allowed a free-kick from Thiago Almada to sneak in at the far post. The second mistake occurred in injury time when Onana failed to secure a shot, leading to a tap-in equalizer from Lyon's promising star Rayan Cherki. Prior to this, United had taken the lead with a header from Joshua Zirkzee in the 87th minute, following Leny Yoro's equalizer.

During the post-match press conference, Amorim was asked how he would address Onana's performance and replied, "We have training; go with Vital and we will manage that. I'm very natural about it; mistakes can happen to any player. There’s nothing I can say to Andre right now that will truly assist him. The key is to remain composed. When the time comes, I will select the best 11 to play. I'm genuinely confident in Andre."

"Mistakes are part of football. If you play often, errors are inevitable. Looking at the season, I've made more mistakes than them in recent games and months," he further commented.

Onana's errors followed a pre-match exchange with Lyon's former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who called Onana "one of the worst goalkeepers" in Manchester United's history, responding to Onana's claim that United was "far superior" to their French counterparts.

When queried if Onana was distracted by the crowd, Amorim noted, "I can't say, that can occur. The best approach is to analyze the goals and all of Andre's actions during the game, and consult with goalkeeper coaches Jorge Vital and Craig Mawson. This is the most effective way to support any player – to concentrate on the game, assess what transpired, identify areas for improvement, and then reintegrate the player."

"I utilized these moments to calm down and come here to convey the right thoughts. However, it’s normal. I sensed a calm atmosphere in the dressing room, which is positive. We managed to draw away in Europe, which is always challenging. The team is enduring a tough time, but we must transform that and we have a chance to do so. Let’s focus on that," he concluded.

The return leg of the quarterfinal will take place at Old Trafford on April 18 (IST). The victor will meet the winner of the Rangers vs Athletic Club matchup in the semifinals.