Manchester United is “much better” than their Europa League quarter -final opponents, Lyon, claims goalkeeper Andre Onana.
United is 13th in the Premier League on the back of a frustrating campaign in which new boss Ruben Amorim did not call up after replacing Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils held Manchester City against a 0-0 draw in a boring Manchester Derby on Sunday.
The Europa League is their only chance to save a trophy this season, although Onana feels that United is much superior to Ligue 1 Club Lyon.
“I think we are better than she, we just have to go there and show who we are. If we go there with a winning mentality and we are focused, stay compact and together and we follow the game plan that we will win the game,” said Onana, who made five rescues to Man City.
Lyon is fifth in Ligue 1 and has won four of their last five league games.
They reacted brilliantly on Saturday in the first minute against Lille, with goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki who handed Paulo Fonseca's side a 2-1 victory over their Champions League-hunting rivals.
Cherki is generally considered one of Europe's best prospects and so far has eight assists in the Europa League this season, the joint most in a season since Atletico Madrid's Diego in 2011-12.
The 21-year-old has nine goals and 18 assists in all competitions so far this campaign and is the most threatening threat of the hosts.
Onana acknowledged that Lyon is “a very good team”, but was full of confidence despite a run where United won only twice in their last seven games in all games.
Thank you for always being there, red. Now it's time to concentrate on Europe. pic.twitter.com/xddeofixpx
– Andre Onana (@andreyonana) April 6, 2025
“We know some of them, but I don't think we should concentrate on them. It is more about us, what we are going to do,” he said.
“Of course it will not be easy, but I think we are much better than they do.”
Lyon has not succeeded in beating United in four attempts in the large European competition, the most recent in 2007-08 in the Champions League round of 16.
After a disappointing domestic season, Onana knows that the first stage on Thursday is an essential leg if United de Europa League would win for the second time and have to relieve the pressure on Amorim.
He added: “We all know the importance of this game, we are going there with the winning mentality, it is not our best season, but we still have something to win and we will go for it.”
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