Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana came in for criticism on Thursday night
After putting himself under the spotlight with a pre-match spat with Nemanja Matic, Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was guilty of two errors as the Red Devils drew 2-2 with Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter final.
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| Rayan Cherki of Olympique Lyonnais scores his team's second goal past Andre Onana of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester United at OL Stadium on April 10, 2025 in Decines-Charpieu, France. | Getty Images |
Thiago Almada gave the hosts the lead after 25 minutes but Leny Yoro equalised in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time to get United back on terms. Joshua Zirkzee headed home what looked to be the winner on 88 minutes. However, Lyon then second their own stoppage-time goal as Rayan Cherki scored in the 95th minute.
Onana was guilty of allowing Almada’s free-kick to go all the way through to the goal in the first half while he spilled a late shot into the path of Cherki who welcomed the chance to score the equaliser.
Ruben Amorim defends Onana as Paul Scholes criticises
After the game, United boss Ruben Amorim defended his goalkeeper. He said: “Important to focus on the next game for the league and then think about the second leg against Lyon. When one player has a mistake, all the team has a mistake so we continue like that.”
He added: “We continue to do the same thing. Training, seeing the games, trying to choose the best eleven to win every match."
Meanwhile, United legend Paul Scholes did not hold back in his criticism of the player. He said on TNT Sports: “I think he was more so at fault for the first, a huge mistake, a little harder but he has to do better than that.
“On the whole, the right result. Lyon played the better football and created more opportunities, but scoring so late - United will be disappointed and they are in a good position at home, [so] they should still be big favourites but they will have to improve.”
Man United should target unprecedented goalkeeper move
Onana has been guilty of a number of errors leading to goals since joining United from Inter Milan for around £47.2m. A new goalkeeper is seen as something the Red Devils could look to add in the summer but it is not a priority as they target other areas of the pitch.
If the Red Devils do pursue a new goalkeeper in the summer, they should look across to Merseyside at Liverpool number two Caoimhín Kelleher. It has been over 60 years since a player moved directly between United and Liverpool but Kelleher has made clear he is keen to leave Anfield to become a number one. He has proven on several occasions to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, despite not being first choice at Anfield. But he has stepped up and performed when Alisson Becker has been injured.
He is out of contract in 2026 and according to reports from Football Insider in February, he is not willing to sign a new contract at Anfield. Liverpool would look for £30-40m for the player, but if United come calling it is likely the Reds would ask for money on the higher end of the scale. Some fans may be put off by Kelleher’s allegiances to Liverpool but if he were to join the Red Devils, it would only take a handful of strong performances to convince any doubters.
While United will not have unlimited funds this window, Kelleher, 26, has his best years ahead of him and £40m would prove to be a good fee in years to come. The player himself could be more open to a shock Old Trafford switch this summer as Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to join Liverpool this summer after agreeing a move last year.
- Ben McKenna
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