Manchester United finds themselves chasing themselves early in the clash with Lyon after a free-kick goal from Thiago Armada took advantage of a poor judgment from Andre Onana.
The French side took the lead in the 25th minute after Noussair Mazraoui admitted a soft foul on his right flank.
Armada stepped up and took the set piece, floating above everyone, whipped on a delivery surrounded by the back of the net, catching Onana completely from the guard.
The Cameroon goalkeeper misjudged the ball’s flight and was able to bounce it back into a far corner.
All eyes on Andre Onana after the war of words with Nemanja Matic
The goal came at the worst time for Onana, who was already in the spotlight after the war of words with Lyon’s Nemanja Matic.
Onana had suggested that Manchester United was a better side than the French club.
The former Manchester United player himself, Matic fought back with a brutal jibe targeting goalkeeper, calling him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history.” He said:
“You know, I respect everyone, but to say that we need to come up with an answer. If you’re one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history, you need to care what you’re talking about.”
“If it was van der sar, Schmeichel, or de Gea, I’d question myself. But you need to cover it to say something like that.”
In response to Matic’s jab, Onana wins an X, denies rudeness against Lyon and fights back against Matic by highlighting the silverware victory over United, suggesting that no one can say the same.
Despite the early setbacks, Manchester United responded well, becoming equal before slowly breaking the yoro, bringing the game back to 1-1 at halftime.
The equalizer keeps the tie calm and fine in the second half.