Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has hit out at Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana following his error-strewn performance against Lyon in the UEFA Europa League — and his pre-match war of words with former Red Devils midfielder, Nemanja Matic.

Onana was at the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons in Thursday’s 2-2 quarter-final first-leg draw against the French side. The Cameroonian shot-stopper was directly involved in both of Lyon’s goals, mistakes that proved costly for a United side still struggling to find consistency in Europe.

But beyond the poor display between the sticks, Onana’s pre-match comments have sparked even more backlash. Speaking confidently ahead of the match, the 28-year-old claimed United were “a way better team” than Lyon — a statement that rubbed Matic, now a Lyon player, the wrong way.

In response, the Serbian midfielder didn’t mince words, calling Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers” in Manchester United’s history — a brutal takedown that gained traction on social media. Onana, not backing down, fired back online, reminding Matic that he had at least won silverware with United, a jab clearly meant to sting.

However, Onana’s performance on the pitch failed to back up his bold claims, and it’s fair to say the internet — and critics — didn’t go easy on him.

Speaking on ESPN after the game, Steve Nicol summed up the moment with blunt honesty:

“In football you always keep your mouth shut because you never know what can happen. Had things been going great for him, then you can get away with talking trash. But when you’re not at your best, keep your trap shut.
It just makes it twice as bad now. Nemanja Matic is the only person sniggering right now, while Onana is going back to the hotel wishing he had kept his mouth shut.”

Opinion: When Confidence Crosses the Line

There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance in football, and unfortunately, Andre Onana seems to have crossed it this time. While a certain level of self-belief is necessary, especially at a club like Manchester United, timing and humility matter — especially when you’re not delivering consistently on the pitch.

This latest episode serves as a cautionary tale. Football has a way of humbling even the boldest voices — and the Lyon match was proof. While Onana may have been trying to show leadership or inject belief into his team, the delivery, timing, and performance just didn’t match up.

He still has time to make amends, especially with the second leg coming up. But if there’s one lesson here, it’s simple: Let your gloves do the talking — and leave the trash talk for after the trophies.