LONDON: Andre Onana will start in goal for Manchester United in their season-defining Europa League match against Lyon on Thursday, manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed.
The Cameroon international made two costly errors in last week’s 2-2 draw in France in the first leg of their quarter-final and was dropped for Sunday’s 4-1 defeat against Newcastle.
Back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir played at St. James’ Park but Onana will be back in goal at Old Trafford.
“Onana, he will play tomorrow,” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference.
The Portuguese coach said: “As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation.
“We speak about managing players physically but we also have to manage them also mentally.
“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.”
The United boss also confirmed that forward Joshua Zirkzee will miss the rest of the season.
The Netherlands international, 23, limped off in the second half of Sunday’s defeat at Newcastle after suffering a hamstring injury.
“Joshua is out for the season,” he said. “He will not play more this season, let’s prepare him for the next one.
“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 are an embarrassing 14th in the Premier League with just six matches left and could end up in 17th spot, just above the relegation places.
That would be their lowest finish since they were relegated from the top division in the 1973/74 season.
But Amorim still has a chance to end United’s turbulent campaign with a European trophy, which could prove transformative as he rebuilds.
Onana to return in goal for Man Utd against Lyon: Amorim
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Onana to return in goal for Man Utd against Lyon: Amorim
- “Onana, he will play tomorrow,” Amorim said at his pre-match press conference
- “As a coach and former player first of all I try to do things that can help a player in this situation
Talwar leads on opening day of 2025 Saudi Open
- The 26-year-old from Delhi set a new course record of 8-under 64 at Dirab Golf & Country Club
RIYADH: India’s Saptak Talwar opened the first day of the 2025 Saudi Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour, with a new course record of 64 (8-under) after finishing his round with a birdie on the final hole in fading light at the Dirab Golf & Country Club.
The 26-year-old from Delhi, who has competed in only a handful of Asian Tour events since turning professional in 2021, delivered a flawless round that included four birdies on each nine, placing him at the top of the leaderboard.
In second place are American John Catlin, the defending champion and reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, and Australia’s Jack Thompson, both carding 65.
Meanwhile, rising Moroccan talent Adam Bresnu stole the spotlight as the leading Arab player on the opening day, after a strong performance that placed him firmly in contention.
Despite still being an amateur, Bresnu exemplified the Arab Golf Federation’s vision of creating clear pathways for regional talent to reach the highest levels of the professional game.
Through its partnership with the Arab Golf Federation, Golf Saudi is expanding high-level opportunities for amateur and professional Arab players.
Bresnu said: “The conditions were really good. What I liked most about the course was how firm the greens and fairways were. The greens are excellent, and I’m really happy to be here.”
“I’ll keep the same mindset. Patience is the main goal,” he added. “It’s a four-round tournament, day by day, shot by shot. My goal is simply to enjoy playing.”
Saudi Arabia players are still in contention as they progress into day two.
Shergo Al-Kurdi said: “Representing the Kingdom is amazing, the crowd support is definitely a big one. In general just being in Saudi, I always enjoy my time here and just want to perform the best I can. It’s a good place to have a nice week.”
He added: “The amount of support Saudi gives to their players is absolutely fantastic and it’s what golfers need to get into a higher level of golf. It is what is needed and they are prepared to do it. It’s very good what they’re doing.”
