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Andre Onana failed to stop an innocuous-looking free-kick, just days after Nemanja Matic described him as the worst goalkeeper in Manchester United history - Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
Oh Onana. If you are going to talk the talk you have to walk the walk. Manchester United are still in the conversation in the Europa League, but no thanks to their goalkeeper.
Andre Onana was certainly at fault for one of Lyon’s goals and probably for both as United conceded deep into stoppage time just when it looked like they had turned around the first leg of this quarter-final.
LYON WITH A LATE GOAL!
Andre Onana's save is spilled into a dangerous area and Rayan Cherki makes no mistake
@tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/63a9d5BJs1
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 10, 2025
Still they will go through to the last four if they can win at Old Trafford next week, even though their prospects should have been improved after substitute Joshua Zirkzee had given them a late lead.
Onana had called it on, describing United as “way better” than Lyon, and got into a spat with the French club’s former United midfielder Nemanja Matic – and then this.
One of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history, Matic called him. That was harsh (Massimo Taibi, anyone?) but Onana made his eighth and arguably his ninth error leading to a goal since joining United and that is simply not good enough.
Was the second goal on him? The first was and when he spilt a shot – did he do well to stop it, should he have turned it away? – it looked like he had to do better. A penny for the thoughts of head coach Ruben Amorim. He did not need this kind of vanity even if United remain favourites.
10:42 PM BST
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of Manchester United’s 2-2 draw away at Lyon to an end. The two sides meet again next Thursday at Old Trafford for the second leg for a place in the last four. Thanks for joining us!
10:40 PM BST
United ‘would be more confident’ if they’d closed game out, says Yoro
On what United can take from the performance into the second leg, Lenny Yoro: “I think to be together like that, defend really well. I think we did really well. It was compact, we tried to block every counter attack, things like that we need to keep it and to give everything at Old Trafford.
“I think if we won 2-1 we would be more confident [to make it through] for sure we concede this goal, it’s difficult but we need to keep our heads up. We didn’t lose, we can win at Old Trafford.”
10:38 PM BST
Amorim ‘really disappointed’ with draw
In the disappointment of drawing the game, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim told TNT Sports: “Of course we are really disappointed, we should have taken the one goal advantage to the next game but we have the next game in our home and we will try to win that game.”
On Onana’s errors, he said: “When one player has a mistake, the whole team has a mistake. We continue like that.”
On whether he would consider dropping Onana, he said: “No we continue to do the same thing.”
10:31 PM BST
‘Worst moment to concede’, says Yoro
Speaking to TNT Sports, Manchester United’s Lenny Yoro said: “I think this is the worst moment to concede a goal like that. We were winning 2-1, I think away this was a good score but we go with the draw and we try to win the game at home.
“We defended really well but they’re a good team they’re good strikers so we need to be ready for everything, unfortunately we concede the goal.”
On how much he enjoyed scoring his first goal for the club, he said: “Of course, I didn’t enjoy too much - no celebration because its normal. We want to win so no time for celebrations. Really happy to score my first goal.”
10:26 PM BST
Onana errors mounting
Since the start of last season, no goalkeeper has made more errors leading to goals for Premier League clubs in all competitions than Manchester United’s André Onana, according to Opta.
10:20 PM BST
United ‘long way off Champions League’, says Scholes
Two-time Manchester United Champions League winner Paul Scholes tells TNT Sports: “They [Manchester United] look a long way off the Champions League. There’s a lot of money to be spent before they’re at that level.”
10:18 PM BST
Hojlund and Garnacho continue to struggle
Hojlund and Garnacho have been two of the players to struggle most this season for United and the pair both squandered golden opportunities to score this evening.
Will they keep their place for the second leg next week? Following Zirkzee’s impact you feel Hojlund’s chances of starting are thin.
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Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United - Getty Images/Anadolu
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Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho - Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes
10:14 PM BST
United remain unbeaten in Europe
Despite the disappointment of the late equaliser, United remain unbeaten in Europe this season.
Amorim’s men won five of their league phase games, drawing the other three, and have now gone without defeat in their three knockout fixtures so far.
10:10 PM BST
Two photos just six minutes apart
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Manchester United’s Andre Onana celebrates their second goal - Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
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Rayan Cherki of Olympique Lyonnais scores his team’s second goal - Getty Images /Michael Steele
10:09 PM BST
Draws all round
So all three British sides go into next Thursday’s second legs level with their opponents. Despite the late equaliser, you feel it will be United feeling the most optimistic as the only one of the three to be at home next week.
10:05 PM BST
Elsewhere this evening
Tottenham Hotspur drew 1-1 at home to Frankfurt with Porro cancelling out Ekitike’s opener, which came after just six minutes.
Meanwhile, it remained goalless between Rangers and Athletic Club despite Propper being sent off after just 13 minutes for the Scottish side.
09:59 PM BST
Full time: Lyon 2 Manchester United 2
That goal was virtually the last kick of the game and the sides go into the second leg all-square after late, late drama.
An Onana error gifted Lyon the lead in the first half but goals from Yoro and Zirkzee late in each half saw United turn the tie on its head.
Amorim’s men looked set to take a lead back to Old Trafford but another error from Onana set up Cherki to equalise at the death for the hosts.
09:58 PM BST
GOAL! Another Onana error gifts Lyon equaliser
Lyon 2 Manchester United 2 (Cherki) Lyon have levelled it at the death and it’s Onana at fault once again. The home side send players forward and the ball drops to Mikautadze on the penalty spot.
His effort is straight Onana but he can only parry it back in front of him and Cherki is on hand to finish with a sublime dink over the keeper with the outside of his left foot.
LYON WITH A LATE GOAL!
Andre Onana's save is spilled into a dangerous area and Rayan Cherki makes no mistake
@tntsports & @discoveryplusUKpic.twitter.com/63a9d5BJs1
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 10, 2025
09:56 PM BST
90+4 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 2
Amorim is urging his players forward on the counter and Fernandes shows some nice skill to cut inside but the one-two with Zirkzee doesn’t come off and Mainoo is booked for a cynical foul.
09:54 PM BST
90+3 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 2
There will be five minutes added on here. As Onana paces out his run-up for a goal-kick, he gazes towards the Lyon fans with a degree of smugness but after his mistake, you feel he should be really keeping his head down.
United win a late corner down their left but the home side win the foul as they look to keep their deficit at one. It’s all United in these closing stages.
09:50 PM BST
GOAL! Zirkzee surely wins it late on for United
Lyon 1 Manchester United 2 (Zirkzee) United have the lead and you have to say it’s deserved.
Lindelof’s long ball is headed away by Lyon but Mainoo is first to react and nods it on to Fernandes in the right of the box.
The United skipper digs out a cross to the back post and Zirkzee heads home to surely win it for his side.
09:48 PM BST
87 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Cherki’s pull-back from the right picks out Lacazette in space just inside the box but after taking a good first touch, he fires his effort over. He has to be hitting the target from there.
09:45 PM BST
84 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Cherki is picked out on the edge of the box from out wide and he takes an excellent first touch to take him into the right of the area but fires his subsequent effort over the bar.
There are two more changes from Amorim now as Mainoo returns to action in place of Garnacho while Lindelof replaces Maguire. The latter change is a curious one.
09:43 PM BST
80 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Mount does well to ride a couple of Lyon challenges before winning the foul and easing the pressure on his side. It boils over for a moment though with Tagliafico squaring up to the Englishman who responds by pushing him away and then everyone gets involved. The pair originally involved are booked.
It’s then a big chance for United as Fernandes picks out Garnacho at the back post but his volley from close range, which bounces before it reaches the goal, is tipped over by Perri in goal for Lyon. Casemiro then heads inches wide of the right post from the following corner.
09:39 PM BST
77 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Fernandes frees Garancho down United’s right with a clever pass but the winger is dispossessed and you feel Fernandes is just running out of patience with him.
Maitland-Niles pinches the ball high up and plays Cherki into the right of the box but the youngster’s low ball across the six-yard box is scrambled away by United. Could he have taken aim himself?
09:36 PM BST
74 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Dorgu wins the foul from Maitland-Niles down United’s left but, in uncharacteristic fashion, Fernandes blazes the set-piece over the crowded penalty area and it’s out for a goal-kick.
Another change from Amorim now and it’s Mount coming on for United in place of Ugarte. Fernandes will just drop into the midfield two alongside Casemiro with Mount playing where Fernandes had.
09:32 PM BST
69 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Clinton Mata is judged to have handled it and United can load the box once more. Fernandes’ ball picks out the head of Maguire but he is penalised for shoving Tolisso to the ground. Needs to be slightly more subtle than that.
Maitland-Niles plays a one-two to get into the right of the box and sells Dorgu with a nice piece of skill. The former Arsenal man picks out Mikautadze but Mazraoui is there again to block his shot.
United then look to counter and can create a three-on-two in the Lyon half. Garnacho has it on the edge of the box but his pass to his left to Fernandes is really poor and the Portuguese is unable to bring it under control.
09:27 PM BST
66 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Tolisso plays a clever one-two with Lacazette to get into the box before sending Mazraoui sliding past with a sublime body feint. He has the room to take aim but he struggles to get it out of his feet and can only dig an effort straight at Onana.
Mikautadze then controls a ball in the left of the box and looks to prod home into the bottom right corner but it goes wide. A goal-kick is given but replays suggest it took a nick off Maguire.
09:25 PM BST
64 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Ugarte frees Garancho down United’s right but Niakhate tracks him well to make the block and it’s going to be another corner for the visitors.
Before it can be taken, Amorim is making his first change of the evening and it’s Hojlund who is going off in place of Zirkzee. Another disappointing evening for the Dane.
The corner comes to nothing as play resumes.
09:22 PM BST
61 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Lyon do really well to beat a high United press and can come away down their left. The move comes to nothing but it was really composed from the hosts to keep it moving in dangerous positions and find a way out.
A couple of moments later and it opens up for Yoro to drive to the edge of the box and he takes aim but drags his effort wide of the near left post. He’s got an eye for goal this evening.
09:18 PM BST
57 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
United win the corner down the left and Fernandes swings in a wicked ball right into the six-yard box. It hits the head of Tolisso, who didn’t know much about it, and is out for a corner from the other side.
This one is driven to Maguire at the back post and he is able to nod it back towards goal but Hojlund and Yoro can’t quite scramble a clean shot away.
09:16 PM BST
54 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Mikautadze drives forward well for Lyon and cuts across Ugarte who brings him down and earns himself the booking, United’s second of the evening.
Moments later and Mikautadze goes on a superb run down Lyon’s left, producing two lovely pieces of skill to beat Dalot and Garnacho and reach the byline.
He chips a pull-back to the edge of the six-yard box but Lacazette can only direct his volley wide of the right post with what must have been his first touch of the game.
09:13 PM BST
51 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Fernandes is at the heart of a tidy United move forward but Garnacho isn’t on his skipper’s wavelength and Fernandes’ final ball runs out for a goal-kick. He seems to be getting increasingly frustrated in recent weeks by the lack of quality from his fellow attackers.
The first change of the night now as Akouokou appears to be struggling with a knock and he will be replaced by Lacazette.
09:09 PM BST
48 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
Lacazette and a probably-rather-smug Matic are warming up for the home side. Could the Serb have an impact on proceedings?
Ugarte spins really nicely in the left of the box to beat his man and pulls an excellent ball back to the penalty spot but it can only find a white shirt.
09:06 PM BST
46 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
We are back underway at the Groupama Stadium with Fernandes and United kicking things off going from right to left. Can either side find the winner in this first leg?
There are no changes from either manager at the break.
09:04 PM BST
Scholes scathing of Onana’s mistake
Paul Scholes, the former United midfielder, was scathing of Onana’s mistake and suggested the Cameroon goalkeeper may wish he had not suggested before the game his side were “way better” than Lyon, which prompted Matic to declare him “one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history”.
“He’s probably wishing he kept his mouth shut before the game I would have thought,” Scholes said. “The keeper I’m not sure what he’s trying to do to be honest. It’s an awful mistake from him.”
09:02 PM BST
Elsewhere
Tottenham Hotspur are also drawing 1-1 following their first half at home to Frankfurt with Porro cancelling out Ekitike’s opener, which came after just six minutes.
Meanwhile, it’s goalless between Rangers and Athletic Club but Propper was sent off after 13 minutes for the Scottish side.
08:55 PM BST
Half-time: Lyon 1 Manchester United 1
That headed goal was virtually the last kick of the half and the sides are level at the break. On the balance of play that is probably a fair outcome following the opening period.
The home side have enjoyed more of the ball but Amorim’s men have had the better chances with Hojlund scuffing wide from inside the box before Fernandes had an effort delfected over.
08:52 PM BST
GOAL! Yoro equalises on the stroke of half-time
Lyon 1 Manchester United 1 (Yoro) Garnacho wins the foul down United’s right as he is pulled back by Niakhate and the visitors have a late chance here to load the box.
Fernandes drills the cross down Lucas Perri’s throat but the keeper is able to punch clear. The ball lands with Ugarte on the edge of the area though and he hooks a volley back into the box that is nodded home into the bottom left corner by Yoro.
A massive goal for Amorim’s men on the stroke of half-time!
08:50 PM BST
45+3 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 0
Lyon have a late chance to counter as Mikautadze drives at the heart of the United back four but Mazraoui stands up well and gets a foot in to make the tackle. Great defending.
08:48 PM BST
45+2 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 0
There will be four minutes added on at the end of this first half. Mazraoui makes a crucial defensive header at the back post but then gets his feet in a twist as he tries a back-heel.
He gets back to make the tackle but then kicks it out for a corner. What an up-and-down 10 seconds for the defender. The corner comes to nothing.
08:46 PM BST
44 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 0
The game is getting slightly stretched in the closing stages of this first half but there is no way through for United with Maitland-Niles putting in a robust challenge on Dorgu looking to break down the left.
Almada then picks the ball up on the edge of the box and goes down following a tug on the arm by Ugarte and the free-kick is given. That was very soft but United have to deal with dangerous position now.
It’s Almada to take the free-kick once again but there’s no Declan Rice heroics from the Lyon man who balloons this one way over. He’ll have to settle for the one for now.
08:39 PM BST
39 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 0
United have a spell of sustained pressure before Dalot delivers a dangerous cross into the box. The ball drops to Dorgu but he misses his kick before Garnacho has his effort blocked.
Lyon appear to kick the ball out with one of their players down but United are going to take the corner as they would anyway. This could cause some controversy if they score here but Lyon manage clear.
The home side are not happy with Fernandes for not giving the ball back from the corner. Strange one.
08:35 PM BST
34 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 0
Tolisso’s pass inside is a sloppy one and Hojlund is able to make the interception before driving into the box but his final shot on his right foot is weak and straight at Perri. He didn’t look confident at all there.
08:32 PM BST
31 mins: Lyon 1 Manchester United 0
Soon after the goal and Almada fancies a second but his strike from the edge of the box is comfortable enough this time for Onana.
Dalot goes sliding in and catches Tagliafico’s ankles with a really late challenge, earning himself the first booking of the match. United need to keep their heads here.
08:28 PM BST
GOAL! Onana error gifts Lyon the lead
Lyon 1 Manchester United 0 (Almada) You couldn’t write it! Lyon win the free-kick down their left-hand side and it’s Almada to deliver it into the box.
No one gets a touch on the inswinging delivery but Onana is unable to parry the cross away as it goes through his hands and it into the bottom right corner.
Really poor from the United keeper on a night when he really had to deliver following his pre-match comments.
08:26 PM BST
24 mins: Lyon 0 Manchester United 0
Ugarte and Dalot combine down United’s right before the latter sends a low ball towards the edge of the box. Fernandes lets it roll between his legs but Hojlund isn’t on the same wave length and gets an ear-full from the United skipper.
Just a couple of moments later and Garnacho is played into the right of the box and he can pull it back to Fernandes. The Portuguese takes it on himself this time but his goal-bound effort takes a nick and goes just over. A crucial intervention with the strike looking set for the top right corner.
From the resulting corner, Casemiro attempts an audacious bicycle kick and while he gets it on target, it’s straight at the keeper.
08:21 PM BST
21 mins: Lyon 0 Manchester United 0
Dorgu is able to burst into the left of the box and pulls the ball back to Hojlund in space but the striker scuffs his sweeping effort and it bobbles out for a goal-kick, a few metres wide of the right post. He has to do better there.
Lyon win successive corners but United cope with both before Almada sends a half-volley way over from the edge of the area following the second.
08:18 PM BST
17 mins: Lyon 0 Manchester United 0
Lyon combine nicely on the edge of the United box but the visitors do well to throw bodies in front of Tolisso’s effort and make the block.
It’s been a relatively even start to proceedings but it’s the hosts enjoying the lion’s share of possession.
08:15 PM BST
14 mins: Lyon 0 Manchester United 0
Mikautadze bursts past Dalot down Lyon’s left and towards the box but Mazraoui is covering well to make the tackle and win the goal-kick in the process.
A couple of moments later and the pair are facing off once again in the left of the box but after Mikautadze went on the outside, Mazraoui can get a touch on the forward’s cross and it loops into Onana’s arms.
08:11 PM BST
11 mins: Lyon 0 Manchester United 0
The game just settles down for a moment with Lyon’s defenders enjoying a spell of possession as United sit off.
Maitand-Niles drives his side forward, though, before Cherki’s floated ball from the right picks out Tagliafico at the back post but his header back across goal is nodded behind for a corner by Dalot.
08:08 PM BST
8 mins: Lyon 0 Manchester United 0
Garnacho’s cross from United’s right is blocked by the first man but the winger collects the ball once again and wins the foul from Niakhate.
Fernandes swings in a wicked ball that fizzes across the face of goal and after taking a nick off Tolisso, it deflects behind for a corner from the opposite side. United’s forwards needed to be gambling more there.
08:05 PM BST
5 mins: Lyon 0 Manchester United 0
Clinton Mata takes a heavy fall, appearing to land on his head, after being nudged while in the air by Hojlund. That’s quite a common move that strikers are often guilty of and it’s a really dangerous one.
The Lyon physios are taking their time to check the central defender is okay but eventually play resumes and it looks like he’ll be fit to carry on.
08:02 PM BST
2 mins: Lyon 0 Manchester United 0
Onana gets his first touch after 30 seconds and unsurprisingly it is met with a chorus of boos.
Akouokou goes in hard to the back of Garnacho and the United winger is down clutching his angle but is soon back on his feet and will be okay to continue.
08:00 PM BST
1 min: Lyon 0 Manchester United 0
We are underway at the Groupama Stadium with the home side kicking things off going from right to left.
07:58 PM BST
Players on the pitch
The players are out on the pitch now and it looks like a full-house in the Groupama Stadium, maybe apart from the United section with metro issues this evening.
There is a wonderful atmosphere for what is a huge game for both sides.
07:55 PM BST
Kick-off approaching
The players are in the tunnel now and we are just five minutes away from kick-off.
There are plenty of handshakes between the two sides. I haven’t seen Matic emerge yet but we might not see how that one unfolds with the Serb on the bench.
07:53 PM BST
Tottenham in action too
Tottenham are also getting underway in their quarter-final first leg as they host Frankfurt. You can follow Telegraph sport’s live updates of this one here.
07:50 PM BST
United resolute in Europa League
Manchester United have been beaten in just one of their last 21 Europa League matches, losing 3-0 away to Sevilla in April 2023, having won 14 games in that time.
That defeat was the only occasion in those 21 games in which they have failed to score.
They will also take confidence from the fact they haven’t lost the first leg of any of their last 11 major knockout ties (W5 D6), since a 1-0 home defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League in 2019.
07:46 PM BST
Onana embracing Lyon stick
We have just seen some footage of Andre Onana going down to the goal where the Lyon ultras were already waiting behind during United’s pre-match pitch inspection earlier on this evening.
The home support were certainly letting there feelings known as the United keeper strolled past with his earphones in.
He is certainly facing the stick head-on this evening.
07:43 PM BST
Sell-out in Lyon
The atmosphere is building nicely inside the stadium in what is, for Lyon, a much-anticipated Europa League quarter-final.
This huge stadium - quite some distance from Lyon - rarely sells out but there is an expectation that it will be at its 58,000 capacity this evening.
07:40 PM BST
‘Cherki a genius’ - Maitland-Niles on French youngster
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has said Rayan Cherki is the “best natural talent” he has ever seen, describing the 21-year-old as a “genius”.
Cherki has nine goals and 18 assists in 36 games this season across all competitions and has caught the eye through moments of individual brilliance.
The Frenchman’s tally of eight assists in the Europa League this season is the joint most by a player in a season, equalling the record of Atletico Madrid’s Diego in 2011-12.
“He is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen,” Maitland-Niles told BBC Sport. “An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.”
“He is taking chances, assists and dragging us up the pitch by taking people on and nutmegging them - he is a genius.
“He is two-footed, has no fear, keeps going and going, can get past people with such ease, such finesse.
“He is now working for the team off the ball and has gone to another level this season.”
07:36 PM BST
Fonseca suspended from matchday duties
Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca is currently serving a nine-month suspension from conducting his matchday duties after angrily confronting a referee.
Fonseca was sent off and pushed his face towards official Benoit Millot during Lyon’s 2-1 win over Brest on 2 March.
In a statement, the French Professional Football League said the Portuguese boss would be barred from accessing the bench, the officials’ dressing rooms, and carrying out any official functions before, during, or after matches until 30 November.
Fonseca told the Guardian this week: “Of course what I did wasn’t correct and I should pay for it. But I screamed at the referee, I didn’t have any contact with him or commit any [violence].
“They want to make an example of me for French football, I think I’m paying not for what I did but for the moment we are in. But I shouldn’t be an example, I should just pay for what I did.
“It’s unfair but we are fighting against this decision and I believe things can change. It’s difficult to understand, when we see so many of these situations in all countries and nobody received a penalty like I did.”
07:33 PM BST
Fernandes thriving in Europa League
Bruno Fernandes’ 41 goal involvements in the Europa League is the most of any player in the competition’s history (24 goals, 17 assists).
He also has the most involvements in the knockout stages (16 goals, 11 assists), while his 11 assists are the joint most by a player in the knockouts, along with former teammate Juan Mata.
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Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United - Getty Images /Jean Catuffe
07:30 PM BST
Onana booed by Lyon fans
The Manchester United goalkeepers have come out to warm-up and Andre Onana was met with a chorus of boos and jeers from the Lyon fans after his declaration that United are “way better’ than their French opponents and his spat with Nemanja Matic.
Unfortunately a little of the spice has been taken away with the former United midfielder only being named among the substitutes this evening. Otherwise that first Lyon corner could have been interesting in the United penalty area.
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Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana warming up - PA/Adam Davy
07:28 PM BST
At stake for the winner of this tie
The winner of this quarter-final tie will take on either Rangers or Athletic Club in the semi-finals. Those two sides meet in Glasgow this evening for the first leg of their quarter-final match-up.
The other side of the draw sees Tottenham Hotspur take on Frankfurt, with the first leg taking place in north London this evening.
Whoever comes out on top of that one will take on the winner of the last-eight clash between Bodo/Glimt and Lazio. The first leg of that one is in it’s final minutes with Bodo/Glimt 2-0 up.
07:25 PM BST
Head-to-head
Lyon have never beaten Manchester United in four attempts in major European competitions, having drawn twice and losing on the other two occasions.
Their last meeting came in the last 16 of the Champions League in March 2008 when United won 1-0 at Old Trafford to win 2-1 on aggregate.
07:21 PM BST
Amorim on Onana spat with Matic
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim believes there was a “misunderstanding” with Andre Onana’s quotes about Lyon that caused Nemanja Matic to respond.
Amorim said: “Hard to deal with that [for Onana]. If you look at all the quotes, there is no disrespect there but just trying to show confidence in the team. Especially this year, people can talk bad about United, but as coach, players and staff we have to show confidence in the team.
“I know Matic and what a good guy he is. You hear things by half sometimes and not the whole and you can see that here.”
On the importance of winning this competition to get into Europe next season, Amorim said: “Important in all aspects. First, to win a title - especially a European title.
“In this season, winning something like that is massive for us and for confidence.
“Then, for the future and next season. To play Champions League for our club is massive. The summer, the budget for the summer, everything is connected to that competition.”
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim - Getty Images/Ash Donelon
07:17 PM BST
How the teams reached the quarters
Following a 1-1 draw away in the first leg, Manchester United swept aside Real Sociedad in the last 16 of the Europa League with an emphatic 4-1 win at Old Trafford in the second leg as captain Bruno Fernandes bagged a hat-trick.
Meanwhile, Lyon progressed in an even more convincing fashion, beating FCSB 7-1 over two legs. After a 3-1 away from home, their place in the last eight was ruthlessly sealed with a 4-0 win at the Groupama Stadium.
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Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United holding the matchball following his hat-trick - Getty Images /Jean Catuffe
07:13 PM BST
Lyon’s run of form
Lyon are currently sitting fifth Ligue 1 in a tightly contested race to finish in the top three.
Fonseca’s men are only four points behind Marseille in second and just a point ahead of Nice and Lille in sixth and seventh respectively.
They are among the in-form teams in the league, though, having won four of their last five games, most recently beating Lille 2-1 on the weekend.
07:09 PM BST
United’s abysmal campaign
Manchester United are on course for their lowest-ever Premier League points tally following a disastrous domestic campaign.
Ruben Amorim’s men are down in 13th and on 38 points after 31 games, meaning they would need to win all seven of their remaining games to better their previous lowest points haul of 58 which they amassed in the 2021/22 campaign.
07:06 PM BST
War of words between Matic and Onana
Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic has labelled Andre Onana as “one of the worst goalkeepers in the history of Manchester United” this week after the Cameroon international said his team would progress to the semi-finals because they were “way better” than the French side.
Asked about Onana’s comments, former United midfielder Matic said: “Onana? You know, I respect everyone but to say that then you need to give the answer.
“If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history, you need to take care of what you are talking [about].
“If David de Gea or Peter Schmeichel or [Edwin] van der Sar said that, then I would question myself.
“But if you’re one of the statistically worst goalkeepers in Man United’s modern history, then he needs to show that before he says. We will see.”
The Spat continued as Onana responded by taunting the Serbian over his failure to win a trophy at United.
“I would never be disrespectful to another club,” said Onana.
“We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent. We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud.
“At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”
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Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana - PA/Martin Rickett
07:02 PM BST
Injury news
Kobbie Mainoo is back in the United squad this evening after being sidelined for two months with a calf injury.
Asked this week if Mainoo could start tonight, Ruben Amorim said: “In this moment, we have to be careful with Kobbie. He had some games out so we have to be careful with his fitness. We are really pleased with him, but we have to be careful with him.”
Matthijs de Ligt has again been ruled out with the same foot injury which saw him miss the Manchester derby on the weekend.
Amorim said: “Matthijs has a problem with his foot. We are trying to assess. We don’t have the data on when he can return.”
Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven and Jonny Evans also remain sidelined.
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Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United - Getty Images /Zohaib Alam
06:59 PM BST
Those teams in full
Lyon: Perri; Matitland-Niles; Mata, Niakhate, Tgaliafico; Tolisso, Akouokou, Veretout; Cherki, Mikautadze, Almada.
Subs: Abner Vinicius, Barisic, Caleta-Car, de Carvalho, Diarra, Gomes Rodriguez, Lacazette, Descamps, Molebe, Kumbedi, Omari, Matic.
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Yoro; Dalot, Casmeiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho.
Subs: Amass, Bayindir, Eriksen, Kukonki, Mount, Lindelof, Shaw, Zirkzee, Heaton, Mainoo, Kamason, Moorhouse.
06:56 PM BST
Four changes for Lyon
There are four changes to the Lyon side that started in the 2-1 win over Lille on the weekend as Paulo Fonseca brings in Akouokou, Veretout, Cherki and Mikautadze to replace Matic, Tessman, Nuamah and Lacazette.
06:51 PM BST
United unchanged from City draw
Ruben Amorim has made no changes to the Manchester United team that started in the goalless Manchester derby draw on the weekend.
06:45 PM BST
Train services suspended in Lyon
Metro train services have reportedly been suspended in Lyon due to a computer outage ahead this evening’s quarter-final tie.
United fans are understood to have been told by the club to make their way to and from the ground using the bus services instead.
06:40 PM BST
Preview: United relying on Europe to save sorry season
Good evening and welcome to live coverage of the first leg of the Uefa Europa League quarter-final between Lyon and Manchester United at the Groupama Stadium. With United down in 13th in the Premier League and set for their lowest-ever points tally, they are relying on glory in Europe’s second-tier competition to finish their disappointing campaign on a high.
The Europa League has provided some much-needed respite for United away from their domestic woes, with Ruben Amorim’s men finishing third in the league phase before dispatching Real Sociedad in the last 16, with an emphatic 4-1 win at Old Trafford in the second leg thanks to a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick.
The build-up to their quarter-final tie has been overshadowed by the row that has erupted between Andre Onana and Lyon’s Nemanja Matic, with the midfielder labelling Onana as “one of the worst goalkeepers in the history of Manchester United”. It came after the Cameroon international said United were “way better” than the French side, and he has now responded to Matic’s dig by taunting him over his failure to win a trophy in his time at Old Trafford.
Lyon will be hopeful of proving Onana wrong given their recent form, having won four of their last five games in Ligue 1 while producing a crushing 7-1 win over two legs against FCSB in their Europa League last 16 tie. Paulo Fonseca’s men will also take confidence from the form of Rayan Cherki this season, with the 21-year-old having already equalled the highest number of assists by a player in a Europa League campaign.
The side which comes out on top following next week’s second leg at Old Trafford will face either Rangers or Athletic Club in the semi-finals. An all-Premier League final remains on the cards with Tottenham Hotspur on the opposite side of the draw, taking on Frankfurt in the last eight.
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