Nemanja Matic has described André Onana as one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history after the Cameroonian claimed his team were far better than Lyon.
In an escalating row before the players face off in the Europa League quarter-final opening leg at Lyon on Thursday, Onana responded by pointing out that Matic had won nothing as a United player from 2017 to 2022.
Matic made his remarks when told in Lyon’s press conference of Onana’s claim that United are “way better” than the Ligue 1 club. The midfielder said: “I respect everyone but to say that then you need to get the answer. If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history you need to take care what you are talking.”
Matic compared the 29-year-old unfavourably with three of United’s first-choice goalkeepers before Onana. He said: “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.”
Onana had said when discussing the challenge of Lyon after the goalless draw with Manchester City on Sunday: “Of course it’s not going to be easy but I think we are way better than them.”
On Wednesday he responded to Matic’s comments by posting on social media a picture of himself with the FA Cup and writing: “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.”
Ruben Amorim attempted to play down the spat. “Tomorrow this will not matter,” United’s head coach said with reference to the game. “If you see the full quote of André Onana, it’s quite different. The first sentence is Lyon is a very good team, so sometimes the players or the coaches don’t always listen to the full quote and sometimes it’s just a misunderstanding.”
Amorim referenced his knowledge of Matic, a former Benfica teammate. “All the quotes [from Onana], you can’t see disrespect there, just respect but trying to give confidence and to show confidence in the team, especially this year,” he said. “Everybody can talk bad things about Manchester United … I know Nemanja Matic, what a good guy he is. Tomorrow Onana is going to play.”
Kobbie Mainoo is in the squad after injury, having not played since United’s FA Cup victory against Leicester on 7 February. Amorim indicated Mainoo would not start. “We have to be careful with Kobbie,” he said.
United, 13th in the Premier League, are the only remaining unbeaten team in Uefa’s club competitions. Lyon sit fifth in Ligue 1.
