Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has hit back at critics of Andre Onana following the goalkeeper’s errors during the Red Devils’ 2-2 draw against Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday.
Onana was at fault for both of Lyon’s goals, first misjudging Thiago Almada’s free-kick, and then spilling Georges Mikautadze’s shot into the path of Rayan Cherki, who capitalised in stoppage time to level the game.
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The lead-up to the clash was marked by a war of words between Onana and Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic. Onana had boldly claimed that United were “way better” than Lyon, prompting Matic, a former United midfielder, to brand him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.”
While Onana’s performance didn’t help quiet the backlash, Zirkzee was quick to leap to the Cameroonian’s defence.
“We’re One Team” – Zirkzee shuts down blame game
Substitute Zirkzee, who gave United a late lead with his 88th-minute strike, echoed manager Ruben Amorim’s sentiments that the entire team shares responsibility.
“One hundred per cent,” he said when asked if the squad stood behind Onana. “We’re one team, so we’re not going to take someone out for making mistakes. That’s ridiculous.”
Amorim had earlier commented, “When one player makes a mistake, the whole team makes a mistake.”
Eyes on redemption at Newcastle and Old Trafford
Despite the late setback in Lyon, Zirkzee believes United can turn the tie around when the French side visits Old Trafford next week. First, however, they must navigate a tricky Premier League fixture away to Newcastle on Sunday.
“To draw in this way is always a little bit — I don’t want to say frustrating — but it hurts for it to go this way,” Zirkzee admitted.
“But we have to focus on the next game — Newcastle away — and then we know what we have to do when we face Lyon again at home. With the full support of the stadium, it’s going to be difficult for them and easier for us.”
Europa League now United’s only hope
With their domestic campaign falling short of expectations, United’s only remaining shot at silverware this season is in the Europa League — something Zirkzee says the team is well aware of.
“We have to win it, we all know that,” he said. “There’s no way around that. It’s the only thing we have to do.”
