image via -@AndreyOnana/ X

Andre Onana vs Nemanja Matic Ahead of the Manchester United and Lyon UEL Clash

Andre Onana was called one of the worst goalkeepers at Manchester United by Nemanja Matic.

image via -@AndreyOnana/ X

Manchester United will take on Olympique Lyonnais in Leg 1 of the Europa League Quarter-final on Friday. Ahead of the clash, Lyon midfielder and former Manchester United player Nemanja Matic had some questionable comments on the United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Onana claimed United, 13th in the Premier League, were “way better” than Lyon ahead of the clash. Replying to these comments and when asked about Onana’s words at his pre-match news conference on Wednesday, Matic had some tough words for the Manchester United goalkeeper.

Getting ready for Europa league 🔋 pic.twitter.com/OMGYRtwRik
— Nemanja Matic (@NemanjaMatic) April 8, 2025

Taking about the African goalkeeper, Matic described Onana as ‘one of the worst’ Manchester United goalkeepers. As he addressed his thoughts, the 36-year-old said:

“If you’re one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history then you need to take care of what you are talking about,” said Matic.

“If David De Gea, Peter Schmeichel or Edwin van der Sar said that I would question myself but if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s modern history, he needs to show that before he says it.”

In response to these comments, Onana had a humbling reply to Matic. Claiming to be respectful to the clubs, the 29-year-old said:

“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”.

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

Referring to their FA Cup 2024 win, Onana pointed Manchester United to be the greatest club. The Cameroon man who joined Manchester United in 2023 on a $54 million deal will travel with his team to Lyon for the first leg.

ALSO READ: Key Takeaways from Arsenal vs. Real Madrid UCL Quarter-finals Leg 1

With the heated words being exchanged ahead of the clash, the Europa League game is now poised. Lyon has not managed to win a game against Manchester United in their last five meetings.

Lyon and Manchester United have both struggled in their respective leagues this season. With winning the Europa League their only option for the Champions League next year, both of these sides are expected to go all out across the two legs of the competition.

Andre Onana

Lyon

Lyon vs Manchester United

Manchester United

UEFA Europa League

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!