Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has hit back at former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic after a heated exchange of words ahead of their Europa League clash with Lyon.
The war of words erupted when Onana claimed United are “way better” than their French opponents.
This prompted a scathing response from Matic, now playing for Lyon, who called Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history”.
The Cameroon international refused to take the criticism lying down, firing back with a pointed social media post.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has hit back at former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic after a heated exchange of words ahead of their Europa League clash with Lyon
PA/GETTY
The exchange has added extra spice to the upcoming fixture between the two sides.
Onana’s initial comments that sparked the controversy were direct and confident.
“I think we are better than them, we just have to go there and show who we are,” the United goalkeeper stated.
He emphasised the importance of mentality in the upcoming match.
“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.”
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Andre Onana has often struggled for Man United during his time at Old Trafford
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Onana was also dismissive of focusing on Lyon’s players.
“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,” he said.
“Of course it’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them.”
Matic’s response to Onana’s confidence was brutal and personal, however.
The former Chelsea title winner said: “To say that, you need to have cover.
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“Onana? Pfft, 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 history, you need to take care what you are talking.”
Matic even compared Onana unfavourably to United legends.
“If David de Gea or Peter Schmeichel or Van der Sar said that, I would question myself.”
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Onana was quick to respond to Matic’s criticism with a pointed message on social media platform X.
“I would never be disrespectful to another club,” the goalkeeper wrote.
He maintained respect for Lyon as opponents.
“We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent.”
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. pic.twitter.com/3easLRIz3d
— Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) April 9, 2025
“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’s comments carry extra weight given his history with Manchester United.
The 36-year-old midfielder spent five years at Old Trafford between 2017 and 2022 but failed to win a trophy during that time.
