Player Ratings: Lyon 2-2 Manchester United
- Fabrizio Tabone
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read

Manchester United had to settle for a 2-2 draw away to Lyon on Thursday night in the first-leg of the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final.
Prior to the match, all of the headlines were on Nemanja Matic's battle of words with Andre Onana, and the Serbian midfielder seemed to have been proven right in the 26th minute after Thiago Almada's free-kick was not dealt with by the goalkeeper, finding its way into the back of the net to put Lyon in front.
However, United fought back, and Leny Yoro got Ruben Amorim's side level right before half-time, heading in from Manuel Ugarte's shot.
In the second-half, United had greater control of the encounter, yet Lyon remained dangerous, especially on the counter.
Joshua Zirkzee came on for Rasmus Hojlund, and he thought he had scored the winner, after getting on the end of a Bruno Fernandes cross to tuck it into the net. However, Lyon equalised in the final few seconds of stoppage time, as Onana parried a shot into the path of Rayan Cherki, who made no mistake from close range.
Here are how the United players did in France:
Andre Onana 1
Atrocious from start to finish. His own comments set him up for failure, and he was at fault for both goals. Had he not come out and said those words to the media, there could have been less pressure on him, and he might have got a different rating as well.
Noussair Mazraoui 8
Solid throughout the whole encounter. Defended admirably, making a series of crucial tackles and interceptions, especially when outnumbered on the counter. United's best signing of the summer.
Harry Maguire 5
Not his best night. At one instance, he miscontrolled the ball before presenting it to Lyon. Dangerous from set-pieces.
Leny Yoro 8
Yoro is growing into his role at United, and his goal was very well deserved. He has quietly gone about his business in the back three, making a series of vital last-ditch challenges. Made a brilliant stride forward in the second-half before striking the ball narrowly wide.
Diogo Dalot 6
Linked up very well with Alejandro Garnacho at times, particularly for a chance that was presented to Fernandes. Increasingly adventurous with his runs. Booked for a foul.
Manuel Ugarte 6
Another industrious display from the Uruguayan, winning the ball a number of times. However, his passing in advanced positions is still questionable at times. Also received a yellow card, before being hooked off.
Casemiro 7
The Brazilian produced yet another solid performance as he continues the mini-revival of his United career. Controlled the midfield and kept it relatively simple with his passing.
Patrick Dorgu 6
Starting to become more of a threat down the left-hand side. Squared a great ball to Rasmus Hojlund, yet the forward could not meet it cleanly. United constantly looked for his pace and power, yet he was sometimes complicating things with his passing.
Bruno Fernandes 8
Mr Reliable. Had a shot go over the bar in the first-half, and he also set up Zirkzee for United's second goal. Once he got the ball, it was immediately clear that he could conjure something up, and the players were always waiting for him to be the one creating chances.
Alejandro Garnacho 5
His end product left much to be desired yet again. Failed to capitalise on a 3v2 situation, passing the ball out of Fernandes's reach. A constant livewire, as Lyon were finding it difficult to track his constant runs.
Rasmus Hojlund 4
Hojlund is a curious case at United. He rarely gets any chances, but he had one very early on after Dogu played the ball to him, yet he dragged his shot wide. Looked more keen to take shots on Friday than he has in recent games.
Substitutions
Joshua Zirkzee 8
Came on to make a difference, and he thought he had scored the winner with a sublime header. Making a strong case to start ahead of Hojlund in the near future.
Mason Mount 6
Came on with the intention of injecting some life into the United attack, and he was immediately going toe-to-toe with the opposition. Received a booking after a clash between him and Nicolas Tagliafico.
Kobbie Mainoo 7
What a delight to see him back in the team after so many weeks out. Did very well to get the ball and bring it forward for Zirkzee's goal. Will be a vital player for the final run-in of the season.
Victor Lindelof 5
Came on for Maguire in the closing stages and was quite nervy at the back. Alexandre Lacazette found space in the box on more than one occasion, with Lindelof often being second to crosses into the box.
Manager: Ruben Amorim 7
For the first time as United manager, he named an unchanged starting 11. United were very organised and disciplined in their shape, and it immediately became clear that United wanted to get the job done as soon as possible. Will have to face the media pressure surrounding Onana going into the next couple of games.
Up next for United is an away trip to St James' Park to face Newcastle United. Following that, the Reds will be welcoming Lyon to Old Trafford.