The Red Devils remain undefeated in the Europa League having maintained their unbeaten streak against Lyon.
Lenny Yoro levelled the scoring when a shot-turned-cross from Manuel Ugarte was steered in by the Frenchman. United had fell behind by one goal before this, due to a poor goalkeeping error from Andre Onana in a free-kick situation.
With Ruben Amorim then bringing on Joshua Zirkzee for Rasmus Hojlund, the Dutchman linked up with Bruno Fernandes for another United-headed goal, to take the lead in the 88th minute.
With United looking hopeful with their lead in the competition, the Reds tried to hold their line during injury time, but another spilt save attempt from Onana forced the ball into the path of Rayan Cherki, who slotted it away at the death to make it 2-2 with that score then going into the second leg at Old Trafford.
Amorim entered the game with his first unchanged line-up during his tenure and clearly hoped for the high-energy effort that secured the draw against Manchester City.
Wasted chances against Lyon
During open play, Manchester United played in their runners in behind the Lyon back line with Garnacho and Fernades. Unfortunately, good opportunities were squandered.
Finding space in key areas around or in the Lyon box, the ball either ended up intercepted from a careless pass or kicked wide when key scoring opportunities presented themselves.
With the second leg on the 17th of April 2025, Manchester United will look to find a way to be more clinical and put doubts aside as to who the favourites of the cup competition are.
With Kobbie Mainoo fit again and playing well when brought on during the match, Amorim has good options and opportunities to properly put his stamp on the quarter-final at home.
Manchester United player ratings
Now here are the player ratings from the match:
- Manchester United (3-4-2-1)
Andre Onana-2
A very disappointing display from Onana considering his words pre-game directed towards Lyon and player Nemanja Matic.
We've seen it time and time again with Onana and his slow attempts to read the ball and later save it, especially with the free kick he missed.
Onana has a habit of spilling the ball rather than having a firm grip when it comes to saving.
Rather than holding onto the ball, he spills it into the path of an attacking player who relishes the chance at pouncing and slotting the ball away behind him as seen today.
Noussair Mazraoui-7.5
Consistent showing from Mazraoui, carrying the ball when given the space and cutting it out last minute when defending.
A solid foundation in the Manchester United back line. With more progressive carries on the ball, it would have provided a more threatening position for United to press the Lyon back line further allowing for more runners to get in behind and find a chance to goal.
Bruno Fernandes (C)- 8.5
Once again setting the standard for the United side and providing another assist to get the lead in the game.
Used more as an attacking option initially down the wing and in behind. The Portuguese showed why United require another creator to play the ball when he is not an available option.
Tallying his assists to three in the European competition, Bruno showed his worth once again.
Harry Maguire-7.5
Solid play from Maguire. It is great to see him thriving in a back line that has his back.
The passing was superb as per usual and that attacking presence is being continuously recognised by the defending opponents.
Stepping up to clear the ball when there is doubt is the hallmark of a great defender.
Rasmus Hojlund-2
Disappointing display from Hojlund. Missed clear chances and did not show why he should be the attacking option for his side going forward.
Still being picked to start for a majority of matches it is starting to show why The Reds need to look for another option come the Summer Transfer window.
Patrick Dorgu-5.5
Dorgu finds himself in great positions on the pitch when going forward and when defending.
However, the final product is not there. The touch is clumsy when receiving the ball and the dribbling is uninspired when taking on a defender one on one.
Dorgu needs space to run and an open lane to put pressure on the backline but it still is not showing to be effective.
Leny Yoro-8.5
A goal and superb defensive efforts. With his ball carrying, is a great option for a pass.
The young Frenchman is not sought out enough as a heading option for set pieces he clearly can provide an attacking aerial threat with his header to level the game to get United back in the match.
Alejandro Garnacho-6.5
A lot of energy is always needed for The Red Devils, especially with the injury list.
Garnacho still not quite reaching the standards expected of him with his first-team experience and minutes played. Alejandro is repeating old mistakes and putting the ball where it is not needed.
Casemiro-7
Starting for Amorim the past few games, Casemiro provides that additional creative aspect for Untied when going forward.
His one-touch passes tend to offset the defence and bring a bit of life into the ball when done correctly.
Diogo Dalot-6.5
Up and down the line as per usual and putting the ball in the box.
I would like to see more inverted runs when he is playing with Garnacho and the Argentine is forced wide. Dalot moving forward has resulted in some great goals and could be replicated.
Manuel Ugarte-7
A touch more lacklustre than his usual appearances.
Cutting the ball out when needed and providing an assist to Yoro with his cross-styled shot. Solid performance and a name needed on the team sheet to assist Casemiro defensively
Substitutes:
Kobbie Mainoo-7
Great to have Kobbie back in the team, despite reports of contract issues. Kobbie brought his familiar game back to viewing eyes.
Great at being in the right place and having that connective quality. Amorim was spotted shouting his name and ushering him to move up the pitch which then resulted in him heading a cleared ball to Fernandes who then assisted Zirkzee with a cross.
The future is still bright for the England International.
Victor Lindelof-4.5
Brought on to rest Maguire who was visibly tired, and to again fill a role in the back line.
He did his role well marking Alexandre Lacazette when Lyon had their final attack. But he fell short of the mark to get back up and mark Cherki who was in the threatening position to score the equaliser.
Joshua Zirkzee-9
Zirkzee coming off the bench as an option truly brings life into the game when needed.
Open to receiving the ball, and dropping in to be the lynchpin that can play the ball out to where it's needed.
The goal to get the lead for United was well worked and almost repeated with the same looping cross into the back post. Fighting for a starting role is likely, but being a player who can step up where your team falls short is a remarkable trait to have.
Mason Mount- 4.5
Mount’s appearances are always confusing to the eye.
One would assume that he is brought on to relieve players and that he knows the Amorim scheme, but you wouldn’t believe it when you see him play.
High energy but that leads to yellow cards and eventual suspensions.
Wearing the number seven you would think he’d have more pride in his game to make a mark on the game and bring meaning back to the shirt number.
