Nemanja Matic: Lyon and former United midfielder hits back at "disrespectful" Onana ahead of Europa League clash

Photo Credit: Manchester United

André Onana’s comments about Manchester United being better than Olympique Lyonnais ahead of their UEFA Europa League clash has ruffled the feathers of Les Gones' midfielder, Nemanja Matić, who has described the Cameroonian as "one of the worst goalkeepers in United's history."

Onana, in an interview with Manchester United’s website, downplayed the Ligue 1 side’s qualities ahead of their Europa League quarter finals first leg at the Groupama Stadium on Thursday, April 10.

"We all know the importance of this game, we will go there with the winning mentality," Onana stated in an interview with the club's website. "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 be winning the game. Of course, it's not going to be easy but I think we are way better than them," Onana told Manchester United’s website.

The former Ajax goalkeeper’s comments have not gone down well with former United midfielder Matić, who has jumped to the defence of his current club by taking a swipe at Onana.

"You need to have cover to say something like that," said Matić at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday. "I respect everyone but to say that then you need to get an answer."

"If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United's history, you need to take care about what you are talking about. "If David De Gea, Peter Schmeichel or [Edwin] van der Sar said that, then I would question myself."

"But if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United's modern history, he needs to show that before he says. We will see." Matić added.

Onana responded later on Wednesday by firing back at the Serbian, saying "not everyone can say they have lifted a trophy at United.” Matić, who played for the Red Devils for five seasons between 2017 and 2022, left without winning any silverware at the Old Trafford after making 189 appearances.

Onana, who replaced David De Gea after arriving from Inter Milan, has appeared in 31 English Premier League games, allowing 41 goals into his net with 9 clean sheets under his gloves this season. United travel to France for Thursday's first leg amidst struggles in the Premier League where they sit 13th on the table while Lyon are in 5th in Ligue 1.