Tensions are high ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash between Manchester United and Lyon as goalkeeper André Onana responds to criticism from former teammate Nemanja Matic.
The exchange began when Onana boldly claimed in a recent press conference that Manchester United was far superior to Lyon ahead of their UEFA Europa League quarterfinal first leg. “It’s not going to be easy, but we are way better than them…” he said.
Matic, now at Lyon, didn’t take kindly to the comment and hit back with a sharp retort: “When you’re one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United history…”
The war of words between the Cameroonian goalkeeper and the Serbian midfielder has only intensified since then. Onana, unshaken, took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his statement, stressing that he meant no disrespect to Lyon but had to set the record straight. “I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know tomorrow will be difficult against a strong opponent, but 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,” Onana remarked.
While Onana has already won the FA Cup with Manchester United in 2024, Matic left the club in 2022 without securing any silverware during his time at Old Trafford.
With the stage set for a fierce clash on Thursday, this verbal back-and-forth is sure to add extra drama to an already intense Europa League showdown.
