Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has labelled Andre Onana as “one of the worst goalkeepers in the club’s history”.
Serbian Matic, 36, was asked about Onana’s comments from earlier this week that United were “way better” than French club Lyon as the two sides prepare to meet in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Speaking at Wednesday’s news conference Matic, who played for United from 2017-2022, said: “You know, I respect everyone but to say that then you need to give the answer.
“If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history, you need to take care what you’re talking about.
“If it was [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Peter] Schmeichel or [David] De Gea saying that, then I would question myself. But you need to have cover to say something like that.”
In reply to Matic, Onana then posted on social media to deny he was being disrespectful.
“I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent,” Onana said on X.
“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.”
Matic made 128 appearances for the Red Devils and joined Ligue 1 side Lyon in 2024 after spells at Rennes and Roma. He won the Premier League twice, plus the FA Cup and EFL Cup in a four-year spell at Chelsea.
Onana signed for £47.2m from Inter Milan in 2023 and has won the FA Cup at Old Trafford, keeping 23 clean sheets in 93 appearances.
The Europa League is the final opportunity for Ruben Amorim’s side – currently 13th in the Premier League – to save a disappointing season.
Cameroon international Onana’s initial comments came after Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City, when he was confident despite describing Lyon as a “very good team”.
“Of course, it’s not going to be easy but I think we are way better than them,” Onana said.
“We all know the importance of this game, we will go there with the winning mentality. It’s not our best season but we still have something to win and we will go for it.”
The first leg of the Europa League quarter-final takes place in Lyon at 20:00 BST on Thursday.
United head coach Ruben Amorim has played down the situation and does not expect the comments from either player to impact Thursday’s match.
“Tomorrow it will not matter,” he said. “If you see the full quote of Andre Onana, it’s quite different.
“The first sentence is Lyon is a very, very good team, so I think sometimes the players or coaches don’t listen to the full quotes.
“Sometimes it’s just a misunderstanding and I know Matic also. He’s a great guy. Tomorrow is going to be a normal game.”
Amorim confirmed Onana will start at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium and reiterated that he did not believe the goalkeeper meant to disparage the Ligue 1 side.
“It’s really hard to deal with that,” he said. “Again, if you look at the quotes, you cannot see disrespect there. Just respect, but trying to give confidence and to show confidence in his team, especially in this year.
“Everybody can talk bad things about Manchester United. Sometimes our group as a player, as a coach, as a staff, has to show some confidence in our team.
“I know really well Nemanja Matic and how good a guy he is. He hears some things by half, not the whole story. That for me is clear in this situation.
Onana makes the most saves per game
Man Utd goalkeepers with 900+ Premier League mins in last 20 years
Tap on Saves per 90 or Saves % columns to order by highest/lowest
