Onana’s Bold Claim: Manchester United “Way Better” Than Lyon Ahead of Europa League Clash
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has stirred the pot ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon, confidently declaring that his side is “way better” than their French opponents, Olympique Lyonnais. The statement, made following United’s goalless draw against Manchester City on Sunday, comes as the Red Devils prepare to travel to France with their season’s only hope for redemption.
With United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and their domestic campaign all but derailed, the Europa League represents their last shot at silverware and a potential lifeline to Champions League qualification. Onana, who kept a clean sheet in the Manchester derby, acknowledged the stakes, saying, “We all know the importance of this game, so we will go there with a winning mentality.” Despite Lyon’s strong form, sitting fifth in Ligue 1 and fresh off a 2-1 comeback win over Lille, the Cameroonian stopper remained unfazed, insisting that United’s focus should be on themselves rather than their opponents. “It’s a very good team, but I think we are better than them,” he said. “We just have to go there and show who we are.”
Onana’s bullish remarks have raised eyebrows, especially given United’s inconsistent season and Lyon’s attacking threat, led by Alexandre Lacazette, Rayan Cherki, Thaigo Almada, and Ernest Nuamah. While the goalkeeper admitted the tie “won’t be easy,” his confidence reflects a belief that United can turn their fortunes around in Europe. Manager Ruben Amorim will hope his squad can back up Onana’s words with a performance on Thursday, as the road to the finals begins in Lyon on Thursday.