In a fiery press conference that has set the football world abuzz, Nemanja Matić, the seasoned Serbian midfielder now playing for Lyon, didn’t hold back when addressing comments made by Manchester United’s goalkeeper André Onana.

The Cameroonian shot-stopper had reportedly claimed that Manchester United were far superior to Lyon, a statement that Matić took as an opportunity to deliver a scathing critique.

Speaking ahead of what appears to be a Europa League clash between the two teams, Matić labeled Onana as one of the most underwhelming goalkeepers in Manchester United’s storied history, a remark that has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike.

Matić, who has a deep connection with Manchester United having played there from 2017 to 2022 under José Mourinho, didn’t mince his words.

He argued that if such a statement had come from United’s iconic goalkeepers like Edwin van der Sar, Peter Schmeichel, or David de Gea—legends who have left an indelible mark on the club—it might have carried some weight.

However, coming from Onana, whom Matić considers one of the least impressive keepers to don the United jersey, the comment was out of line.

“When you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history, you need to take care what you’re talking about,” Matić said, his tone dripping with disdain. The press conference, set against a backdrop of Europa League branding and Lyon’s logo, underscored the competitive tension between the two sides.

André Onana’s tenure at Manchester United has been a rollercoaster since his £43.8 million transfer from Inter Milan in 2023.

Initially brought in to replace David de Gea, Onana was expected to bring a modern, ball-playing approach to the goalkeeper position.

However, his time at Old Trafford has been marred by high-profile mistakes.

One notable blunder came during a 2023 Champions League match against Galatasaray, where Onana was directly at fault for two goals in a 3-3 draw, contributing to United’s early exit from the competition.

Despite these setbacks, Onana has had his moments of brilliance. In the 2023-2024 season, he played a key role in United’s FA Cup triumph, and by December 2024, he led the Premier League with the most clean sheets, showcasing his potential when at his best.

Matić’s critique, however, goes beyond Onana’s on-pitch performances. The Serbian veteran, now playing under Mourinho at Lyon—marking their third collaboration after stints at Chelsea and Manchester United—also took a swipe at his former club.

He claimed that during his five-year spell at United, the club lacked a focus on winning trophies, a stark contrast to the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.

This broader criticism adds another layer to Matić’s comments, suggesting that Onana’s struggles might be symptomatic of deeper issues within the club.

The comparison to United’s goalkeeping legends is particularly telling. Peter Schmeichel, often regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Premier League history, was a commanding presence during United’s dominant 1990s, helping the club secure multiple titles, including the 1999 Champions League.

Edwin van der Sar, another Dutch maestro, brought calm authority to the role, winning four Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League.

David de Gea, despite never winning the Champions League with United, was a fan favorite for his incredible shot-stopping ability, often single-handedly keeping United competitive during lean years.

Onana, in contrast, has yet to reach such heights, and Matić’s comments reflect a sentiment that the Cameroonian has a long way to go to earn a place among United’s elite.

This verbal spat has ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans divided over Matić’s harsh assessment.

Some agree, pointing to Onana’s errors as evidence of his inadequacy, while others defend the goalkeeper, arguing that he’s been a scapegoat for United’s broader struggles.

As Lyon and Manchester United prepare to face off, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Onana to prove his detractors wrong.

Will he rise to the occasion, or will Matić’s words prove prophetic? One thing is certain: this feud has added an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated matchup.