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Andre Onana has endured an up-and-down time of things since joining Man Utd - Getty Images/Jean Catuffe
Andre Onana has been branded “one of the worst goalkeepers in the history of Manchester United” by Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic as a bitter war of words erupted before their Europa League quarter-final.
The United No. 1 had predicted his team would progress to the semi-finals because they were “way better” than their French counterparts, but in the wake of Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City his remarks triggered a furious riposte from former United player Matic.
Asked about Onana’s words at a press conference on Wednesday to preview the first leg of the quarter-final at the Groupama Stadium, Matic, who joined Lyon last summer, said: “When you’re one of the worst goalkeepers in the history of Man United, you have to be careful what you say.
“If it was [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Peter] Schmeichel or [David] De Gea saying that, ok… but Onana, he’s one of the worst.”
Matic’s comments have raised the stakes ahead of the tie, with the Europa League effectively representing United’s last chance of qualifying for the Champions League this season. United are facing a potential £100 million blackhole in their finances if they miss out.
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Nemanja Matic made 128 appearances for Man Utd between 2014 and 2017 - Getty Images/Charlotte Wilson
Onana joined United from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023 for £47.2 million as a replacement for De Gea, who was Matic’s team-mate at Old Trafford for five years. The Cameroonian endured a disappointing start to his debut season at United, with a series of high-profile errors contributing to the team’s elimination from the Champions League group stages.
Onana showed signs of improvement during the second half of the campaign but his form has dipped again this term. He has also faced complaints in recent weeks from United fans over the speed of his distribution.
Lyon, who are fifth in Ligue 1, have lost just one of their past seven matches and Onana’s comment may only deepen their desire to see off United if Matic’s remarks are anything to go by.
United’s draw against Manchester City left United languishing in 13th position in the table.
Kobbie Mainoo could feature in the first leg in France after the England midfielder trained with the first team on Wednesday morning.
The 19-year-old has not played for two months due to injury.
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