Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana has issued a firm response to criticism from former teammate Nemanja Matic, following the Serbian midfielder’s remark describing him as “one of the worst” goalkeepers in the club’s history.
The row between the two ex-teammates comes just days before they are set to face off on Thursday, when Manchester United meet Lyon in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal tie.
The tension was sparked by comments made by Onana during a recent press conference, in which he expressed confidence in United’s superiority over the French side. “…Of course, it’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them…” Onana stated.
However, his comments were met with a sharp rebuttal from Matic, who now plays for Lyon. In a scathing response, the 36-year-old midfielder said, “Onana said they’re way better than us? When you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history…”
The exchange has since escalated into a heated war of words between the Cameroonian shot-stopper and the Serbian veteran, drawing widespread attention ahead of the crucial European clash.
In a follow-up post on X (formerly Twitter), Onana clarified his remarks and insisted he had no intention of disrespecting Lyon. “I would never be disrespectful to another club. 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,” he wrote.
Matic, who joined Manchester United from Chelsea in 2017, spent five years at Old Trafford but failed to win any silverware before departing the club in 2022.
Onana, in contrast, has already added a trophy to his collection at United, having lifted the FA Cup in 2024 after joining from Inter Milan. His response highlights the growing personal tension that now adds another layer of intrigue to Thursday’s high-stakes European encounter.
