Andre Onana has hit back at Nemanja Matic after the Lyon midfielder described him as “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history” ahead of their Europa League quarter-final clash.
In the build-up to Thursday night’s first leg at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, a confident Onana claimed United are “way better” than their upcoming opponents.
“I think we are better than them [Lyon], we just have to go there and show who we are,” he said after Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City. “If we go there with a winning mentality and we are focused, stay compact and together and we follow the game plan we will be winning the game.”
Onana, who has struggled at times this season, added: “We know some of them, but I don’t think we have to focus on them. It’s more about us, what we’re going to do. Of course it’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them.”
A few days later and the goalkeeper’s comments were relayed to former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who delivered a no-nonsense response to Onana in his now-viral pre-match press conference.
“I respect everyone but to say that then you need to get the answer,” the Serbian began. “If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history you need to take care what you are talking.”
Matic would then compare Onana to some of the United greats before repeating his point about being the so-called “worst goalkeeper in United history.”
He added: “If David de Gea or Peter Schmeichel or [Edwin] van der Sar said that then I will question myself but if you are one of the statistically worst goalkeepers in Man United’s modern history then he needs to show that before he says, so we will see.”
After the incident became a huge talking on social media, Onana responded to the 36-year-old with a statement of his own on X, formerly Twitter – and the Cameroonian didn’t hold back as he mentioned winning last season’s FA Cup.
“I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent,” he wrote. “We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud.”
Onana is confident going into this week’s Europa League clash against Lyon.
Onana added: “At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”
Matic featured in a number of finals during his five year spell at United but failed to win a piece of silverware. Still, he lifted three Premier League titles with Chelsea, as well as an FA Cup and League Cup.
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Man Utd, Europa League, Lyon, Premier League, Andre Onana, Nemanja Matic
