Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has struggled in his first two seasons with the Premier League club. United currently sit 13th in the table and have conceded 41 goals so far, giving them a negative goal differential as they have only scored 37 goals this season.
Despite his struggles, Onana remains confident that Manchester United are "way better" than their Europa League quarterfinal opponents, Lyon. To his point, United have been a strong force in the European competition.
In his own words, Onana said: "Of course, it's not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them. We all know the importance of this game, we will go there with the winning mentality, it’s not our best season but we still have something to win and we will go for it."
Manchester United's Europa League journey
Manchester United might have struggled in the Premier League this season, but the Europa League trophy can still be theirs. The new format to the competition was implemented this season, giving United eight group stage matches to try and maximize points to move to the next round.
Out of their eight games, United won five and drew three. This gave Manchester United 18 points and put them in third place in the table, one point behind leaders Lazio and second place Athletic Club. The English side is the only club in the competition to remain unbeaten.
In the Round of 16, Manchester United drew Real Sociedad. After a 1-1 draw in Spain, United needed a big performance to keep their trophy hopes alive. The Red Devils delivered and Old Trafford witnessed a 4-1 win, which featured a Bruno Fernandes hat trick, a Diogo Dalot goal, and a red card for the visiting side.
United's current tough run of form
However, since the international break, United have played two Premier League matches and failed to score in both. The first came at Nottingham Forest and Onana conceded a stunning solo goal from Anthony Elanga. While Onana can't be entirely at fault for the goal, his form has also not been very consistent.
Onana did keep his ninth clean sheet of the Premier League season against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford at the weekend. The goalless draw summed up both team's seasons: disappointing and dull.
Manchester United might feel that a draw was a good result, as their rivals failed to beat them on either occasion in the Premier League this season. Coming off these lacklustre performances, and especially after Onana's comments, United will be looking to rebound in a big way in the first leg against Lyon.