Manchester United 'way better' than Lyon, claims Onana

Manchester United are "way better" than their Europa League quarter-final opponents, Lyon, claims goalkeeper Andre Onana.

United are 13th in the Premier League on the back of a frustrating campaign in which new boss Ruben Amorim has failed to spark a turnaround after replacing Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils held Manchester City to a 0-0 draw on Sunday, in a drab Manchester derby.

The Europa League is their only chance of salvaging a trophy this season, though Onana feels United are far superior to Ligue 1 club Lyon.

"I think we are better than them, 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 we will be winning the game", said Onana, who made five saves against Man City.

Lyon are fifth in Ligue 1, having won four of their last five league matches.

They reacted brilliantly to going behind in the opening minute against Lille on Saturday, with goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki handing Paulo Fonseca’s side a 2-1 victory over their Champions League-chasing rivals.

Cherki is widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest prospects and has eight assists in the Europa League so far 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 poses the hosts’ most looming threat. 

Onana acknowledged that Lyon are "a very good team" but was full of confidence despite a run that has seen United win just twice in their last seven games across all competitions.

“We know some of them, but I don't think we have to focus on them. It's more about us, what we're going to do," he said.

"Of course it’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them."

Lyon have failed to beat United in four attempts in major European competition, most recently in 2007-08 in the Champions League round of 16.

After a disappointing domestic season, Onana knows that Thursday's first leg is a vital one if United are to win the Europa League for a second time and alleviate pressure on Amorim.

He added: "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."