The tension is palpable as Manchester United prepares to face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday, with goalkeeper André Onana and former United midfielder Nemanja Matic trading barbs in a heated war of words. The feud erupted after Matic labeled Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history,” prompting a fiery response from the Cameroonian shot-stopper that has set the stage for an explosive encounter.
The controversy began when Onana, speaking after United’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City on Sunday, claimed that his team was “way better” than Lyon, despite acknowledging the challenge ahead. “It’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them,” Onana said, exuding confidence ahead of the crucial European tie. His remarks, however, did not sit well with Matic, now a midfielder for Lyon, who unleashed a scathing rebuttal during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
Matic, who spent five years at Old Trafford between 2017 and 2022, didn’t mince words. “You need to have cover to say something like that,” he said, questioning Onana’s credentials. “If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history, you need to take care about what you’re talking about. If David De Gea, Peter Schmeichel, or Edwin van der Sar said that, I would question myself. But if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s modern history, he needs to show that before he says it.” The Serbian’s comments struck a nerve, reigniting debates about Onana’s inconsistent performances since joining United from Inter Milan in 2023.
Not one to back down, Onana took to social media to deliver a stinging counterattack, subtly mocking Matic’s trophyless stint at Manchester United. “I would never be disrespectful to another club,” Onana posted on X. “We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent. We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud. At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.” The jab was a clear reference to Matic’s failure to win silverware during his 189 appearances for United, contrasting with Onana’s FA Cup triumph in his debut season last year.
The exchange has added an extra layer of intrigue to an already pivotal match for Manchester United, who sit 13th in the Premier League and view the Europa League as a lifeline to salvage their season. Onana, signed for £47 million to replace the legendary David De Gea, has been a polarizing figure at Old Trafford. While he has showcased moments of brilliance—boasting nine clean sheets in the Premier League this season—his high-profile errors, particularly in last year’s Champions League campaign, have fueled criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim attempted to defuse the situation, suggesting a misunderstanding. “If you see the full quote of André Onana, it’s quite different,” Amorim said. “The first sentence is that Lyon is a very, very good team. Sometimes players or coaches don’t listen to the full quote. I know Matic—he’s a great guy. Tomorrow, Onana is going to play.” Amorim, who once played alongside Matic at Benfica, emphasized that the goalkeeper’s intent was to boost team morale rather than disrespect their opponents.
On the pitch, Lyon, currently fifth in Ligue 1 and riding a wave of six wins in their last seven games, will look to capitalize on United’s struggles. Matic, a two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea, expressed his lingering affection for his former club but made it clear he’s ready to prove a point. “I will always keep United in my heart,” he said, while also praising Amorim’s potential to turn things around with the right support.