Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim confirmed that Cameroon international Andre Onana would start in goal for the decisive Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon on Thursday at Old Trafford.
Onana had made two critical errors during the 2–2 draw in France in the first leg of the tie and subsequently lost his place in the squad for Sunday’s 4–1 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Turkish back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir replaced him in that fixture.
“At the pre-match press conference, Amorim said, ‘Onana, he will play tomorrow.’”
Portuguese manager Amorim explained that his decision was based on both psychological and physical factors affecting the player. He stated, “As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation.”
He continued, “We speak about managing players physically but we also have to manage them also mentally.”
He revealed that Onana’s omission from the squad against Newcastle had been intentional. “We had one weekend where I felt it was better for Andre Onana not to play and a good thing for Altay (Bayindir) to play.”
Amorim also confirmed that Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee would miss the remainder of the season. The Netherlands international, aged 23, sustained a hamstring injury during the second half of the Newcastle match and limped off the pitch.
“Joshua is out for the season,” said Amorim. “He will not play more this season, let’s prepare him for the next one.”
He added, “It is tough for him especially in this moment. He is improving in all aspects and it is hard for any player to stop.”
United remained in 14th place in the Premier League with six fixtures remaining. They faced the possibility of finishing as low as 17th—just above the relegation zone—which would mark their worst league performance since their relegation in the 1973/74 season.
Despite the domestic struggles, Amorim retained the opportunity to salvage the campaign with a European trophy.
