Ahead of Thursday’s highly anticipated Europa League quarterfinal clash between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester United, tensions flared as Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic launched a scathing verbal attack on United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana.
Matic, a former Manchester United stalwart who spent five seasons at Old Trafford between 2017 and 2022, didn’t hold back during a press conference on Wednesday when asked about Onana’s recent claim that “United is way better than Lyon.”
“I respect everyone, but to say that, you need to be able to back it up,” Matic said. “If you’re one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history, you need to take care what you are talking about.”
The Serbian midfielder, now 36, took aim at Onana’s standing at the English club, contrasting him sharply with former Manchester United greats.
“If David De Gea, Peter Schmeichel, or Edwin van der Sar said that, I would question myself,” he added. “But if you’re statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s modern history, then you need to prove yourself before making such statements. We will see what happens on the pitch.”
Onana, who arrived at Manchester United from Inter Milan in 2023, has faced intense scrutiny since joining the Premier League giants. While he was instrumental in Inter’s run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2023 and previously starred for Ajax in their 2019 semifinal campaign, his early tenure in Manchester has been marked by inconsistency and high-profile errors.
The war of words has injected fresh drama into an already fiery tie, with Lyon aiming to upset a United side looking to salvage silverware in a turbulent season. Matic’s comments are expected to further fuel the rivalry as both clubs prepare for battle in Thursday’s first leg.
-Amnewsworld Sports Desk
