Manchester United are on the centre of a brewing off-field controversy after former midfielder Nemanja Matic fired again at Andre Onana forward of their Europa League quarter-final in opposition to Lyon.
Now with the Ligue 1 aspect, Matic took subject with current remarks made by Onana, who advised United are “much better” than their French opponents.
The Serbian veteran midfielder, who made 189 appearances for United between 2017 and 2022, didn’t maintain again when responding in his pre-match media duties.
Nemanja Matic takes brutal dig at Man United goalkeeper Andre Onana
Matic questioned Onana’s authority to make such comparisons, mentioning that solely iconic United goalkeepers like Edwin van der Sar, Peter Schmeichel, or David de Gea had earned the correct to make daring statements in regards to the membership’s standing.
He went even additional, implying that Onana is without doubt one of the worst goalkeepers in United’s historical past—a harsh criticism from the 36-year-old midfielder.
As quoted by way of BBC Sport, Matic commented:
“You already know, I respect everybody however to say that then you have to give the reply.
“In case you are one of many worst goalkeepers in Man United’s historical past, you have to take care what you’re speaking about.
“If it was [Edwin] Van der Sar, [Peter] Schmeichel or [David] De Gea saying that, then I’d query myself. However you have to have cowl to say one thing like that.”
Onana bites again with boasting his silverware
The Cameroonian goalkeeper was fast to answer on X, denying any intention to disrespect Lyon. Onana clarified that his phrases had been misinterpreted and acknowledged Lyon’s high quality, stating United are getting ready for a troublesome tie.
He additionally took the chance to spotlight his contributions at Previous Trafford, mentioning that he’s already lifted silverware with the membership—one thing he implied not everybody can declare, taking a dig at Matic, who by no means gained silverware with the Pink Devils.
The disagreement solely provides to the strain forward of what’s already an important showdown. With United languishing in mid-table within the Premier League, the Europa League presents their greatest probability to salvage a disappointing season underneath Ruben Amorim.
For Matic, this tie represents a return with one thing to show. Throughout his 5 years at United, he was a dependable presence in midfield. Now, he’s bringing that very same drive as he goals to make an influence for Lyon in opposition to his former membership.
