Joshua Zirkzee has publicly responded to the backlash facing Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana following Thursday night’s 2-2 draw against Lyon in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg. The striker described the criticism as “ridiculous,” strongly backing his teammate despite the Cameroon international’s high-profile errors during the match.
The game in Lyon saw Onana blamed for both of the French club’s goals. In the first half, he failed to stop a free-kick from Thiago Almada. Later, during stoppage time, he parried Georges Mikautadze’s shot directly into the path of Rayan Cherki, who dramatically netted the equalizer. These incidents placed the goalkeeper under intense scrutiny, especially given the high-stakes nature of the match and the importance of securing an advantage before the second leg at Old Trafford.
The match had already been clouded by tension due to a verbal exchange in the lead-up between Onana and Lyon’s Nemanja Matic. Onana’s comments claiming Manchester United was “way better” than Lyon provoked a sharp response from Matic, who dismissed him as “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.” Onana’s performance did little to shift the narrative, providing ammunition for his critics.
Despite the criticism, Zirkzee made it clear that the dressing room stands firmly behind the 29-year-old. When asked whether head coach Ruben Amorim’s philosophy that “one player’s mistake is the whole team’s mistake” reflected the players’ views, Zirkzee didn’t hesitate.
“One hundred percent. We’re one team, so we’re not going to take someone out for making mistakes. That’s ridiculous,” he said emphatically.
Zirkzee himself had a moment of glory during the match, scoring an 88th-minute goal that briefly gave United the lead before Cherki’s equalizer dashed hopes of an away win. Despite the setback, the Dutch striker remains focused on the road ahead.
“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 just have to focus on the next game, and that’s Newcastle away. Then we all know what we have to do when we face Lyon again at home next week.”
Zirkzee believes the atmosphere at Old Trafford will play a critical role in the return leg. He acknowledged Lyon’s strengths but emphasized United’s hunger and determination to advance.
“I’m sure with the full support of the stadium, it’s going to be difficult for them and easier for us,” he added. “They’re a great team – let’s not forget that – and it’s not going to be easy, but we all want to win. We have to win.”
For Manchester United, the Europa League has become the final opportunity to secure silverware this season after an inconsistent Premier League campaign. Zirkzee echoed the urgency within the squad.
“We have to win it; we all know that,” he stated bluntly. “There’s no way around that. It’s the only thing we have to do.”
As United prepares for a crucial league fixture against Newcastle this weekend, the pressure remains high, especially on Onana. However, with the support of teammates like Zirkzee and the second leg approaching fast, all eyes will be on how the team responds—and whether they can turn the tide before the Europa League deadline closes in.
