Under Fire but Trusted: Onana to Start for Man United vs Lyon
Andre Onana'll return to Manchester United’s starting XI for Thursday’s season defining Europa League quarter final 2nd leg against Lyon, manager Ruben Amorim confirmed on Wednesday.
The Cameroon international was dropped for Sunday’s 4 - 1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle after shaky display in last week’s 2 - 2 draw in Lyon where 2 costly errors led to United conceding twice.
Despite the criticism including harsh remark from Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic who called Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s history” Amorim's showing faith in his 1st choice shot stopper.
“Onana will play tomorrow. When I imagine the game, I see Andre Onana” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference.
Mental Management Over Physical Rotation
Amorim explained the reasoning behind Onana’s brief benching emphasizing the importance of mental recovery as much as physical rest.
“Sometimes players don’t need just physical management but mental too. It was good moment for Altay (Bayindir) to play last weekend but now it’s Onana’s time again” he said.
Bayindir, however didn’t capitalize fully on his opportunity making mistake that led to Newcastle’s fourth goal on Sunday.
Zirkzee Out for the Season
Adding to United’s woes, Amorim confirmed that Joshua Zirkzee will miss the rest of the season due to hamstring injury sustained in the same match.
“It’s tough for him. He was improving and it’s hard for any player to stop now” said Amorim.
United’s Dire Domestic Form
United currently sit 14th in the PL with just 6 games remaining. A further slip could see them drop as low as 17th which would mark their worst top flight finish since 1974.
With the champions league qualification now hinging entirely on winning the europa league, Thursday’s match at Old Trafford could define the success or failure of Amorim’s turbulent 1st season.
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