Joshua Zirkzee has labelled the critique directed at Andre Onana as “absurd” following the Manchester United goalkeeper’s costly errors during the Europa League quarter-final draw against Lyon.
Onana made crucial mistakes that led to both of Lyon’s goals, resulting in United finishing with a 2-2 draw in the first leg in France on Thursday night.
The lead-up to the fixture was overshadowed by a verbal exchange between Onana and Lyon’s midfielder Nemanja Matic.
Onana’s assertion that United were “way better” than Lyon prompted Matic, who previously played at Old Trafford, to label him as “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.”
The 29-year-old goalkeeper didn’t manage to dispel Matic’s criticism, allowing a free-kick from Thiago Almada to slip past him and later deflecting a shot from Georges Mikautadze into the path of Rayan Cherki, who scored in stoppage time to equalise for Lyon.
In response to Onana’s performance, United’s manager Ruben Amorim stated, “If one player makes a mistake, the whole team makes a mistake.” This comment came after Zirkzee, who was brought on as a substitute, scored to put the Premier League side ahead 2-1 in the 88th minute.
When asked if Amorim’s sentiment resonated with the rest of the squad, Zirkzee replied: “Absolutely. We’re one team, and we won’t single out anyone for mistakes. That’s just silly.”
Onana will be under the spotlight again as United travels to Newcastle on Sunday, but Zirkzee believes the team can alleviate some of the pressure on the Cameroonian keeper.
“Drawing in that manner is always a bit disheartening, I don’t want to say frustrating, but it does sting,” Zirkzee said.
“However, we need to concentrate on the next match, which is against Newcastle away, and we all know the task at hand when we host them next week.”
“With the full backing of our fans, it will be challenging for them, but easier for us. We recognise they are a good side, and it won’t be straightforward, but we all want a victory—we simply have to win, so we’ll see how it unfolds.”
After a disappointing season in the Premier League, the Europa League represents Manchester United’s final opportunity to secure silverware.
“We have to win it; there’s no way around that,” Zirkzee emphasised. “That’s our objective—it’s the only thing left for us to achieve.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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