Nemanja Matic Fires Back at Andre Onana’s Pre-Match Comments, Calls Him “One of the Worst Goalkeepers” in United’s History

As Lyon prepares to face Manchester United in the Europa League quarter-final clash, fireworks are already flying off the pitch — and it’s coming from none other than former United midfielder Nemanja Matic.

In what many would call a stinging pre-match jab, Matic didn’t hold back when responding to Andre Onana’s confident claims that United are “too good” for Lyon. While confidence is key in football, Matic believes Onana hasn’t earned the right to make such bold remarks.

“If David de Gea or Peter Schmeichel or (Edwin) Van der Sar say that, then I will question myself. But if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s modern history, you know, he needs to show that before he says that. We will see,” Matic said pointedly during a press conference.

The Serbian veteran, who played 189 times for United between 2017 and 2022, might not have lifted silverware at Old Trafford, but he certainly left with the respect of fans and teammates alike. His latest comments seem to stem from a place of pride — not just for Lyon, but for the club where he once gave his all.

⚽ A War of Words — or a Message of Accountability?

Matic’s comments, while harsh, could be seen as a wake-up call rather than a mere attack. Since his arrival at Old Trafford, Andre Onana has had a rocky start. His high-profile errors in both the Premier League and Champions League have been the subject of much scrutiny. Despite recent improvements, many still question whether he’s truly filled the gloves left behind by legends like De Gea and Van der Sar.

By contrasting Onana with those greats, Matic subtly reminded the Cameroonian goalkeeper — and perhaps others — that playing for Manchester United is a privilege, one that demands more than just talk. It requires consistent, world-class performances.

💬 Opinion: Did Matic Go Too Far?

There’s no denying the bluntness of Matic’s remarks — and it may have rubbed some United fans the wrong way. But in an era where footballers often trade in media-trained clichés, Matic's honesty feels refreshingly raw and passionate.

Football thrives on rivalries and storylines, and this one just added a juicy layer to the upcoming clash. If anything, Onana now has a golden opportunity to respond not with words, but with his performance on the pitch.

Whether Matic’s criticism was driven by loyalty to Lyon, disappointment in United’s recent standards, or just personal frustration, one thing is clear: this tie just got a lot more personal.

What’s your take? Was Matic justified in calling out Onana, or was it a low blow from a former player trying to stir the pot?