Manchester United defender Harry Maguire says he has 'great confidence' in Andre Onana ahead of UEFA Europa League return

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was dropped from Ruben Amorim's squad for their last game against Newcastle after two big errors in their UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon. Ruben Amorim says Onana will be in the starting line-up for the second leg at Old Trafford. Defender Harry Maguire has told TNT Sports that he is backing him to deliver on his return.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is backing goalkeeper Andre Onana to recover from a difficult week as Ruben Amorim’s side look to book their place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League.

The Cameroonian shot-stopper was left out of United’s squad for their 4-1 defeat against Newcastle in the Premier League last weekend, after a disastrous first-leg performance against Lyon in Europe.

Onana was at fault for both goals in the 2-2 draw in France, which followed the pre-match build-up being dominated by Lyon and former United midfielder Nemanja Matic calling him "one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history".

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Amorim has confirmed that Onana will return to the starting line-up for tonight’s quarter-final return leg at Old Trafford - which is live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - after losing his place to Altay Bayindir at St James' Park.

Maguire has told TNT Sports that Onana’s testing time of late has not affected his infectious character around training.

"He was his normal self. He’s come in on Monday this week and he’s been bright and brought a lot of energy to the team," he said.

Highlights: Onana errors hand Lyon draw against Man Utd

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I’m sure he was frustrated with the goals and the way that they went in [against Lyon]. He’s a big personality, he’s a big player. He’s an experienced player. 

"He’s won lots of trophies, he’s played in big games, and he’s an excellent goalkeeper, so we have great confidence in him that he’s going to perform."

Although it was a night to forget for Onana in Lyon last week, defender Leny Yoro had some cause for celebration after netting his first goal for United.

Speaking about his defensive partner, Maguire said: "It was a clever finish, to be honest. A lot harder than it looked. 

"It was a great header and I must say, in that game, he was excellent. I think it was his best game for us. I thought he was the best player on the pitch, actually. 

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"Credit to him. A young boy, playing in a big game for Manchester United. He’s shown great experience, and he was excellent in the game."

For United, Europa League glory is all that is left to fight for in what has been a disappointing season.

Amorim’s side are 14th in the Premier League and were beaten at home by Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Asked if their season can still be deemed a success with victory in the competition, Maguire said: "There’s no doubt it’s been a difficult season. 

"We could win the Europa League, and it’s still not a season we’re going to look back on and think we’ve performed well in because we haven’t. 

"It’s been far too inconsistent, lost too many games. The big moments in the games we haven’t dealt with well. Games on a knife edge, we’ve always ended up losing the games."

Onana mistake 'awful, terrible, shocking', say Scholes and Carney

Video credit: TNT Sports

Maguire is keen to give the club’s supporters something to celebrate and to finish the season on a high.

"I’ve been here six years and our fans are always amazing. They’re the best fans in the world.

"They follow us up and down the country, away from home and even at Old Trafford. Unbelievable fans. 

"I think we need to put on a performance and make them feel proud and going home with a smile on their face."

How to watch Man Utd v Lyon

United take on Lyon on Thursday, April 17, at Old Trafford, with the game kicking off at 20:00 UK time.

You can watch the game on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting from 19:00.

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

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Watch and stream Premier League and UEFA Champions League football live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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