“One of the Worst Goalkeepers” – Inside the Explosive Onana vs Matic United-Lyon Spat

In a fiery build-up to Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final clash with Olympique Lyonnais, a war of words has erupted between current United goalkeeper André Onana and former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic who labelled him “One of the Worst Goalkeepers.” What started as a seemingly routine bit of confidence ahead of a European tie has spiraled into an unexpectedly personal feud — complete with brutal jabs, trophies flaunted, and reputations questioned.

Words Fly as Europa League Quarter-Final Tensions Boil Over

At the center of the drama? A single quote from Onana about United being “way better” than Lyon. What followed was one of the more intense public exchanges involving United players in recent memory.

As sports news writers struggle to keep up with the story, let’s break down how it all unfolded – and what it means heading into a crucial European tie.

The Spark: Onana’s Confidence… Or Arrogance?

After Manchester United ground out a goalless draw with Manchester City in the Premier League, André Onana addressed the media ahead of the trip to France for the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final. The Cameroonian keeper, brought in last summer for £47 million from Inter Milan, was trying to strike a note of belief in a season full of uncertainty for United.

“Of course it’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them,” Onana said when asked about Lyon.

His intention, at least publicly, seemed to be to instill confidence in his under-fire team. After all, Manchester United, despite sitting 13th in the Premier League, remain unbeaten in UEFA competitions this season. Lyon, meanwhile, are fifth in Ligue 1 and far from their former European-contending selves.

But that didn’t sit well with one man.

Matic Fires Back: “One of the Worst Goalkeepers in Man United History”

Lyon’s press conference the next day took a dramatic turn when Nemanja Matic — now wearing Lyon’s colors but well-known to Old Trafford fans after five seasons at the club — was asked about Onana’s comments. His response was scathing.

“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 are talking.”

The Serbian midfielder didn’t stop there. He named legendary keepers — David de Gea, Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar — before dismissing Onana outright:

“If De Gea or Schmeichel or van der Sar said that, then I would question myself. But Onana? Statistically one of the worst keepers in United’s modern history? He needs to show something before saying things like that.”

“At Least I’ve Lifted Trophies”: Onana Strikes Back

Onana wasted no time responding. Less than 24 hours later, he took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and posted an image of himself holding the FA Cup — his first and only trophy so far in a United shirt — with a cutting caption:

“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.”

The subtext wasn’t subtle: Matic, for all his 189 appearances in red from 2017 to 2022, didn’t win a single trophy at Manchester United. While Matic did enjoy silverware at Chelsea — including two Premier League titles — his United stint was defined by near-misses and transition.

For Onana, the message was clear: “I may have critics — but I’ve done what you couldn’t.”

The Numbers Don’t Lie – Or Do They?

Matic’s claim about Onana being “one of the worst” United keepers isn’t pulled from thin air. Since arriving at Old Trafford, the Cameroonian has endured a mixed, often difficult debut season.

His early Champions League displays were riddled with mistakes — including a howler against Bayern Munich and another against Galatasaray that cost United dearly. Domestically, his save percentage has hovered near the bottom third of Premier League starters. His confidence and command have been called into question more than once.

Yet, to his credit, Onana has shown moments of resilience. He’s kept United’s Europa League hopes alive and helped them secure the FA Cup — even if that campaign also featured its share of drama.

Still, for a club long associated with dominant goalkeepers, Onana’s name sits uncomfortably alongside the likes of Schmeichel, van der Sar, and De Gea.

Amorim Steps In: “This Is Just a Misunderstanding”

Following another roasting by Roy Keane, attempting to quell the firestorm, United’s head coach Ruben Amorim (a former teammate of Matic’s at Benfica) addressed the feud ahead of the tie.

“If you see the full quote of André Onana, it’s quite different. The first sentence is: ‘Lyon is a very good team.’ Sometimes the players or coaches don’t listen to the full quotes. It’s a misunderstanding.”

Amorim continued:

“Again, I know Nemanja. He’s a good guy. This wasn’t about disrespect. Onana was just showing confidence in the team. That’s all.”

Still, the coach admitted the media spotlight on the spat was likely uncomfortable for Onana — especially considering the pressure he’s already under.

A Deeper Tension?

Beyond the individual back-and-forth, this spat might reflect something broader — a clash between two different mentalities.

Matic, the seasoned veteran, known for his professionalism and straight-talking demeanor, values respect and humility, especially in pre-match comments. Onana, the confident modern keeper — vocal, sometimes brash — represents a more assertive generation, not afraid to speak his mind and stand up for himself.

Their clash may not just be about football. It’s also about image, legacy, and what it means to be part of Manchester United — past or present.

Mainoo Returns, Stakes Rise

While the war of words dominates headlines, United quietly welcomed back Kobbie Mainoo to the squad. The talented youngster has been out since the FA Cup win over Leicester on February 7. Amorim confirmed Mainoo is in contention but unlikely to start:

“We have to be careful with Kobbie. He’s an important player, but not ready for full intensity.”

With United playing Newcastle on April 13, the Premier League campaign faltering, hopes of European qualification — and Amorim’s long-term future — may hinge on this Europa League run.

Thursday’s Showdown: Football Will Do the Talking

The spotlight now shifts to the Groupama Stadium on Thursday, where Lyon and Manchester United will collide in the first leg of what promises to be a fiery quarter-final.

Amid the banter, digs, and social media spats, one thing is certain: this tie just got a lot more personal.

Will Onana rise above the noise and prove Matic wrong? Or will the Lyon midfielder have the last laugh in front of his new home crowd?

Stay tuned.

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