Manchester United can't ignore star man's mistake that almost cost them vs Lyon

Ruben Amorim made five changes from the Manchester United side that lost to Newcastle at the weekend and reverted to the side that drew 2-2 in France for the first leg. It meant Andre Onana was selected in place of Altay Bayindir in goal, while Rasmus Hojlund led the line after Joshua Zirkzee suffered a season-ending injury.

It was the easiest lineup to predict from Amorim’s time at the club, due to a combination of injury limitations and his clear favourites in other areas of the pitch. It was also because United dominated much of the first leg and had every right to believe they would progress as long as they cut out the individual errors.

United should have put the match to bed with the team that started, but it was Amorim’s brave changes that eventually swung it back in their favour, with key contributions from both the introduction of Kobbie Mainoo and the decision to play Harry Maguire as a striker. He has some big decisions to make for the semi-final.

All eyes on Onana

The decision to start Andre Onana was made easier by the fact Altay Bayindir struggled against Newcastle last weekend, but it still didn't diffuse the debate over his starting role. United would have won the first leg without his mistakes, and there was even intense scrutiny on his performance in the second leg.

The 29-year-old was jeered by Lyon fans when he made his way onto the pitch. Old Trafford responded by blasting Rihanna's hit 'What's My Name?' and a chorus of 'Oh na-na, what's my name?'. It didn't take long before he was celebrating in front of the away end after Manuel Ugarte's opening goal.

It was a bold reaction that could have easily backfired; thankfully, Onana backed it up with some important saves and could hardly have been blamed for the four goals he conceded. He will hope he isn't the story when they face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals next.

A proper European night

It is often difficult to build excitement for the Europa League, but Manchester United did their part with a rousing pre-match display. The music was cut, a stunning tifo was unveiled, and an exciting fireworks display lit up the Manchester evening sky in spectacular style. Throw into the mix what was at stake for Ruben Amorim and the fascinating sub-plot of Andre Onana, and it made for one of the most high-profile matches since the competition rebrand.

The match delivered with high drama on the pitch, as United unfathomably threw away their control on the tie, before grabbing it back in extra time in the most unbelievable fashion. The pre-match tifo read 'never gonna stop,’ United didn’t. But they came agonisingly close. It might take another rousing reception when they play the semi-final second leg.

Garnacho gets away with one

Manchester United's strikers have taken the majority of the blame for their lack of goals this season, but the truth is, all of their forwards should have scored more than they have. Alejandro Garnacho is one such example. He might even be world-class if he did. The Argentine has 10 goals this campaign, though those numbers are misleading. Three came in the League Cup and another in the Community Shield, and in those games that have mattered, he has struggled to make a positive impact.

Garnacho only has two goals in his last 29 appearances, but could have changed the narrative to read two goals in two matches when he terrorised the Lyon defence but fired a tame effort straight at goalkeeper Lucas Perrri. If he had done so, United would have surely won the game with a three-goal lead. Instead, they were emphatically punished as the visitors forced extra time and almost knocked them out.

His display on Thursday night was a reminder of the exceptional young talent he is, but also a reminder of how much work there is to do. There would have been a lot more scrutiny had his miss cost them the tie.

Manchester United striker dream is still alive

Manchester United might have only had one senior striker available for their most important match of the season, yet Ruben Amorim still saw it fit to take him off when the tie was level. Rasmus Hojlund had shown some signs of improvement from his recent performances, but the brutal truth is that the bar is so low to beat.

With Joshua Zirkzee injured and Chido Obi ineligible, United instead turned to Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine, a damning indictment of their previous recruitment mistakes and a reminder of the unenviable challenge Amorim has faced during his debut season.

United have made signing a striker their priority for the summer window, with Ipswich star Liam Delap their preferred target. It is a move that could rely on Champions League football, not only to finance the move, but to convince him of the move over other offers he will receive. Victory over Lyon has at least kept that dream alive a little longer.