Onana Claps Back at Matic Criticism With Trophy Jibe Ahead of Europa League Clash
The exchange was sparked by Onana’s claim that Manchester United were “way better” than Lyon ahead of their Europa League quarter-final first leg, prompting a fierce response from Matic at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
Andre Onana fired back at Nemanja Matic after the Lyon midfielder branded him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history,” cheekily pointing out Matic’s lack of silverware during his own time at Old Trafford.
The exchange was sparked by Onana’s claim that Manchester United were “way better” than Lyon ahead of their Europa League quarter-final first leg, prompting a fierce response from Matic at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“If you’re one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history, then you should be careful what you say,” Matic said. “If David De Gea, Peter Schmeichel, or Edwin van der Sar made that comment, I’d question myself. But when you’re statistically one of the worst in United’s modern era, you’ve got to prove yourself before speaking.”
Onana, who joined United from Inter Milan for £47 million, was quick to reply via social media—without naming Matic directly. In a subtle but pointed dig, the Cameroonian keeper wrote:
“I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know [Thursday] 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.”
Though Matic spent five years at United after his £40 million move from Chelsea under Jose Mourinho in 2017, he failed to win a single trophy during that spell. He was part of United squads that finished second in the Premier League twice, under Mourinho in 2017/18 and again under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2020/21.
Onana, by contrast, helped United win the FA Cup in his debut season, starting in the final against Manchester City under Erik ten Hag. However, his time at Old Trafford hasn’t been smooth sailing—United finished eighth that season, their worst-ever placing in the Premier League era, and are currently sitting 13th with seven games to play.
The war of words adds extra spice to Thursday’s fixture, as both sides look to take control in the first leg.
