Robbie Savage gave a scathing critique of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana for his role in Olympique Lyonnais’ opening goal on Thursday night.
United were held to a 2-2 draw by Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie, with Onana being culpable for both goals conceded.
For the opener, the Cameroonian misjudged Thiago Almada’s in-swinging free-kick delivery that beat everyone and bounced as it escaped him before finding its way into the back of the net.
Onana made another costly mistake in stoppage time while United were in the lead, this time palming a shot into the path of Rayan Cherki, who made no mistake from close range to draw his side level.
Heading into the game, there were already a lot of eyes on Onana following his bitter public feud with Nemanja Matic. After last week’s Manchester derby draw, Onana said in an interview that the Red Devils were a much better side than Lyon – sentiments that did not go down well with Matic, who branded the shot-stopper one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history.
In response, Onana taunted Matic for failing to win a trophy during his five-year stint at Old Trafford.
Speaking on the commentary for TNT Sports, Savage didn’t hold back on his criticism of Onana after Lyon broke the deadlock in the 25th minute.
Savage said [via Manchester Evening News], “It’s a goalkeeping error.”
“It’s a good ball in, great area, is Onana anticipating a touch? We’ll see it here, everyone looks onside there, it’s a terrible goalkeeping error, it bounces just before him, he’s got to save that, it’s a poor goalkeeping error.”
“It looks like a good delivery, terrible goalkeeping.”
Savage continued, “The ball is put into a great area, United held a high line, dropped as the ball is kicked and the bounce just before Onana, he’s expecting a touch but he has to save it.”
“It will go down as a goalkeeping error. We can watch it so many times but it’s an error.”
United will host Lyon for the return leg on Thursday but before that, they face a tricky test in the form of Newcastle at St James’ Park this Sunday.
Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
