Tensions have flared ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Lyon, as former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic branded current United goalkeeper Andre Onana as “one of the worst in the club’s history.”
Matic, now at French side Lyon, responded strongly to comments Onana made earlier in the week, where the Cameroon international suggested United were “way better” than Lyon. The 36-year-old Serbian, who made 128 appearances for United between 2017 and 2022, didn’t hold back.
“If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history, you need to take care what you’re talking about,” Matic said at a press conference on Wednesday. “If Van der Sar, Schmeichel or De Gea said that, I’d question myself. But you need cover to say something like that.”
Onana, signed for £47.2m from Inter Milan in 2023, hit back on social media, denying any disrespect toward Lyon. “We know it’ll be a tough game. I would never be disrespectful to another club,” he said. “At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”
United boss Ruben Amorim has since downplayed the war of words. “It’s just a misunderstanding,” he said. “If you see the full quote from Andre, he speaks highly of Lyon. It’s about showing belief in the team.”
Onana, who replaced David de Gea at Old Trafford, has kept 23 clean sheets in 93 appearances and won the FA Cup last season. However, his performances have drawn criticism, and Matic’s remarks have intensified ongoing debates over whether the Cameroonian has lived up to expectations.
By contrast, United legends like Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar, and De Gea — all serial trophy winners — have left massive gloves to fill. Schmeichel won five league titles and a Champions League, Van der Sar lifted four Premier League trophies, and De Gea kept 190 clean sheets in 545 games.
While Amorim insists the spat won’t impact Thursday’s quarter-final first leg in Lyon, the pre-match handshake between Onana and Matic could be one of the more awkward moments of the evening.
Kick-off at the Groupama Stadium is scheduled for 20:00 BST.
