Unity is Key: Zirkee Defends Onana After Lyon Draw
Click to start listening
Synopsis
After a heated exchange with Nemanja Matic, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana's poor performance led to a 2-2 draw against Lyon. Joshua Zirkzee defended Onana, emphasizing team unity as they prepare for the next match against Newcastle and the second leg against Lyon.
Key Takeaways
- Onana faced criticism after a poor game against Lyon.
- Joshua Zirkzee supports Onana and highlights team solidarity.
- United's performance in the Premier League is lacking.
- The Europa League is crucial for their European qualification hopes.
- Next match against Newcastle is vital for team morale.
New Delhi, April 11 (NationPress) Shortly after Manchester United's goalkeeper Andre Onana found himself in a verbal spat with former club midfielder and current Lyon player Nemanja Matic, who labeled him the worst goalkeeper in the club's recent history, the Cameroonian keeper had a disastrous performance that led to a 2-2 stalemate in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals.
Onana's initial blunder allowed Thiago Almada's free-kick to slip in at the far post. His second mistake came in the dying moments of stoppage time when he failed to grasp a shot he should have easily caught, enabling Lyon's rising star Rayan Cherki to score the equalizer. Prior to this, United had taken the lead with Joshua Zirkzee's header in the 87th minute, following Leny Yoro's equalizer.
Zirkzee stepped up to defend his teammate, asserting that the squad remains unified.
“We are one team, and it would be absurd to single someone out for errors. This draw stings a bit, but we must concentrate on the upcoming match against Newcastle. We know what needs to be done when we face Lyon again at home next week,” Zirkzee stated, as reported by the Daily Mail.
As United finds themselves in 14th place in the Premier League, the Europa League is their best chance for qualification into European competitions next season, with the tournament's winner automatically earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
Zirkzee remains optimistic about United's chances of advancing to the next round, with the second leg scheduled to take place at Old Trafford next week.
“We must secure a victory; there’s no other option. We are all aware of this. With the stadium's full support, it will definitely be challenging for them but easier for us. They're a formidable team, so we shouldn't underestimate them. However, we all aim to win, and we must win, so we’ll see,” Zirkzee concluded.
