“At Least I’ve Lifted Trophies”: Andre Onana Claps Back at Matic’s ‘Worst Goalkeepers’ Remark
Manchester United vs Lyon is already one of the blockbuster ties of the Europa League quarterfinals, and things have only been made more fiery by the exchange between Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana and former United and current Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic.
On being asked about United’s poor form and the difficulty level of Lyon as an opponent before the first leg of the clash, Onana remarked that Man United were ‘way better’ than their French opponents. “We all know the importance of this game, we will go there with the winning mentality,” he told reporters. “We have to go there and show who we are. If we are focused, stay compact and together, and follow the game plan, we will win the game. Of course, it’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them.”
Andre Onana’s comments
On being asked about these comments, Matic, who spent 5 years between 2017 and 2022 at Old Trafford, clapped back. “You know, I respect everyone, but to say that, then you need to answer. If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history, you need to take care of what you’re talking about. If it were [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Peter] Schmeichel, or [David] De Gea saying that, then I would question myself. But you need to have cover to say something like that.”
However, the exchange did not end here. Onana was made aware of these comments by the Serbian midfielder, to which the Cameroonian took to the social media site X to say, “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.”
While this has massively heated the tie and everyone is waiting with bated breath to see if the 36-year-old Matic replies, the claims are true. Onana won the FA Cup last season with United, while Matic’s stint at the club was barren from a trophy perspective.
United travel to Lyon to face them at the Groupama Stadium tomorrow, both sides presumably eager to back themselves in the back of this exchange. The French side are currently 5th in Ligue 1 while United languish in 13th in the Premier League.
