Former Manchester United star Nemanja Matic has launched a blistering attack on current goalkeeper André Onana, labeling him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history” in a fiery escalation of pre-match mind games ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first-leg tie against Lyon. The Serbian midfielder, now plying his trade with the French side, didn’t hold back as he responded to Onana’s claim that United were “way better” than Lyon, setting the stage for a charged showdown at the Groupama Stadium.
The controversy erupted after Onana, speaking following United’s 0-0 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, expressed confidence in his team’s superiority despite their struggles this season. “It’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them,” he said of Lyon, who are currently fifth in Ligue 1 and in formidable form with six wins in their last seven matches. Matic, who spent five years at Old Trafford from 2017 to 2022, seized on the remark during a Wednesday press conference, delivering a stinging rebuke that has sent shockwaves through the football world.
“If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history, you need to take care about what you’re talking about,” Matic said, his tone laced with disdain. “If it was David De Gea, Peter Schmeichel, or Edwin van der Sar saying that, I would question myself. But if you’re statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s modern history, he needs to show that before he says it.” The 36-year-old’s comments thrust Onana’s turbulent tenure at United back into the spotlight, reigniting debates about his performance since arriving from Inter Milan in 2023 for £47 million.
Onana’s time at Old Trafford has been a rollercoaster, marked by flashes of brilliance—such as his nine clean sheets this season—but overshadowed by costly errors, particularly in last year’s Champions League campaign. Fans on X have echoed Matic’s sentiments, with posts calling Onana “a huge reason for the continual decline” and “an arrogant prick,” though others argue he’s been unfairly scapegoated for a broader team malaise. United’s 13th-place standing in the Premier League only amplifies the scrutiny on the 29-year-old goalkeeper.
Matic, a two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea, tempered his criticism with a nod to his former club, saying, “I will always keep United in my heart,” while expressing hope that manager Rúben Amorim—his ex-teammate at Benfica—can turn things around with proper support. Yet his takedown of Onana suggests a personal edge to the upcoming clash, where he’ll face his old side as a key figure in Lyon’s midfield.