Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana endured a nightmare moment in Thursday's Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, allowing a seemingly harmless free-kick to slip beneath him and into the net.
The costly error came at a particularly awkward time for the shot-stopper, who had been embroiled in a public war of words with former United midfielder Nemanja Matic.
The blunder immediately put United on the back foot in a crucial European tie that could define their season.
Thiago Almada's free-kick appeared to pose little threat as it sailed towards Onana's goal.
Andre Onana let in a howler after Nemanja Matic labelled him United's 'worst ever goalkeeper'
Reuters
However, the United keeper inexplicably dived too late, allowing the ball to pass underneath his body and into the net.
Television replays showed no deflection on the set-piece, making the error all the more glaring.
The mistake drew audible groans from the travelling United supporters, who had expected their number one to handle such a routine effort with ease.
The error was made all the more embarrassing by Onana's pre-match comments, in which he boldly claimed Manchester United were "way better" than their French opponents.
Those words have now come back to haunt the goalkeeper as Lyon capitalised on his mistake.
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It's a stark reminder of football's capacity to humble even the most confident professionals.
Onana's assertion of superiority now appears particularly ill-judged as United find themselves struggling against a Lyon side they were expected to overcome.
The error comes just days after Onana responded to criticism from Nemanja Matic, who had labelled him "one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history".
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It's poor anticipation from Andre Onana as Lyon take an early lead through Thiago Almada 🎯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 10, 2025
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Onana fired back on social media, stating: "I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent. We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud."
He pointedly added: "At least I've lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can't say the same."
The error now casts a shadow over United's European campaign, with the away goal giving Lyon a significant advantage.
For Onana personally, the mistake represents another setback in what has been a challenging first season at Old Trafford.
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