Manchester United are on the centre of a brewing off-field controversy after former midfielder Nemanja Matic fired again at Andre Onana forward of their Europa League quarter-final towards Lyon.
Now with the Ligue 1 aspect, Matic took concern with current remarks made by Onana, who advised United are “much better” than their French opponents.
The Serbian veteran midfielder, who made 189 appearances for United between 2017 and 2022, didn’t maintain again when responding in his pre-match media duties.
Nemanja Matic takes brutal dig at Man United goalkeeper Andre Onana
Matic questioned Onana’s authority to make such comparisons, stating that solely iconic United goalkeepers like Edwin van der Sar, Peter Schmeichel, or David de Gea had earned the suitable to make daring statements concerning the membership’s standing.
He went even additional, implying that Onana is likely one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s historical past—a harsh criticism from the 36-year-old midfielder.
As quoted by way of BBC Sport, Matic commented:
“You understand, I respect everybody however to say that then you want to give the reply.
“If you’re one of many worst goalkeepers in Man United’s historical past, you want to take care what you’re speaking about.
“If it was [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Peter] Schmeichel or [David] De Gea saying that, then I might query myself. However you want to have cowl to say one thing like that.”
André Onana: Man Utd are ‘manner higher’ than Lyon
Nemanja Mati?: ? pic.twitter.com/cZbhfkGYP8
— B/R Soccer (@brfootball) April 9, 2025
Onana bites again with boasting his silverware
The Cameroonian goalkeeper was fast to answer on X, denying any intention to disrespect Lyon. Onana clarified that his phrases have been misinterpreted and acknowledged Lyon’s high quality, stating United are making ready for a tricky tie.
He additionally took the chance to spotlight his contributions at Outdated Trafford, stating that he’s already lifted silverware with the membership—one thing he implied not everybody can declare, taking a dig at Matic, who by no means received silverware with the Purple Devils.
I might by no means be disrespectful to a different membership. We all know that tomorrow might be a troublesome recreation towards a robust opponent.
We concentrate on making ready a efficiency to make our followers proud.
Not less than I’ve lifted trophies with the best membership on this planet. Some can’t say the identical. pic.twitter.com/3easLRIz3d
— Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) April 9, 2025
The disagreement solely provides to the strain forward of what’s already a vital showdown. With United languishing in mid-table within the Premier League, the Europa League presents their finest probability to salvage a disappointing season beneath Ruben Amorim.
For Matic, this tie represents a return with one thing to show. Throughout his 5 years at United, he was a dependable presence in midfield. Now, he’s bringing that very same drive as he goals to make an affect for Lyon towards his former membership.
