Onana is 'one of Man Utd's worst ever keepers' says ex Reds midfielder

Nemanja Matic, the former Manchester United midfielder, has unleashed a scathing attack on Andre Onana, branding him “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s storied history.

The 36-year-old Serbian, now with Lyon in Ligue 1, fired back after Onana claimed United were “way better” than the French side ahead of their Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday.

Onana’s bold assertion came after United’s 0-0 draw with Manchester City on April 6, 2025, prompting him to later clarify on X that he meant no disrespect.

Matic, who swapped Old Trafford for Lyon in 2024, wasn’t buying it. “I’d never disrespect another club,” he said in response. “But when you’re among the worst keepers United have ever had, you should watch what you say.

"If Van der Sar, Schmeichel, or De Gea said it, I’d think twice. Onana? He doesn’t have the credentials.”

The Cameroon international, who joined United from Inter Milan for £47.2m in 2023, tried to defuse the row online. “I respect everybody,” he posted.

“Tomorrow’s a tough game against a strong team. We’re focused on delivering for our fans. At least I’ve won trophies with the biggest club in the world—some can’t claim that.”

His initial comments had painted Lyon as a “very good team” but insisted United’s superior quality and “winning mentality” would shine through despite their dismal season.

For Ruben Amorim’s United, currently languishing in 13th in the Premier League, the Europa League represents their last shot at salvaging 2024-25.

Matic, who made 128 appearances for the Red Devils between 2017 and 2022, will face his old club at Groupama Stadium, where kick-off is set for 20:00 BST. Onana’s confidence contrasts with United’s form—five games without a win—and his own shaky record, including high-profile errors this term.

Adding fuel to the fire, Onana was conspicuously absent from the CIES Football Observatory’s latest ranking of the world’s top goalkeepers, released Wednesday.

The index, which factors in match level, team results, and save percentage deviations, crowned PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, Inter’s Yann Sommer, and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois as the top three. Onana’s save from Phil Foden in the derby earned plaudits, but his broader stats haven’t impressed the analysts.

Matic’s barb ramps up the stakes for Thursday’s clash, where Lyon—mid-table in Ligue 1 but dangerous in Europe—aim to exploit United’s fragility.

Onana’s retort about trophies nods to his 2023 League Cup win with United, a jab Matic, who lifted the same trophy in 2017, might shrug off. As Amorim’s side chase redemption, this war of words could set the tone for a fiery encounter.