Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic described Andre Onana as one of many worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s historical past as the 2 gamers grew to become embroiled in a confrontation forward of Thursday’s Europa League assembly.
United’s solely probability of silverware – and solely practical path to European qualification – is through the Europa League, and so they go to Lyon for the primary leg of their last-eight tie.
Regardless of United’s struggles underneath Ruben Amorim, Onana gave a assured evaluation of their possibilities in France, which drew the ire of Matic.
Talking after Sunday’s goalless draw with Manchester Metropolis, Onana mentioned of the Lyon tie: “After all it’s not going to be straightforward, however I feel we’re means higher than them.”
And at Wednesday’s pre-match press convention, Matic, who represented United between 2017 and 2022, hit again.
“Should you’re one of many worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s historical past then you might want to deal with what you’re speaking about,” mentioned Matic.
“If David De Gea, Peter Schmeichel or Edwin van der Sar mentioned that, I’d query myself.
“However in case you are statistically one of many worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s fashionable historical past, he wants to point out that earlier than he says it.”
Onana has performed 42 video games this season, recording a save proportion of 67.47% whereas conceding 54 objectives from 56.12 anticipated objectives heading in the right direction (xGOT) confronted.
In accordance with Opta’s objectives prevented mannequin, this does imply he has shipped 2.12 objectives fewer than can be anticipated, given the standard of possibilities his workforce have given up.
However since Opta started detailed assortment of save statistics in 2003-04, Onana has the bottom save proportion of the six goalkeepers to make no less than 20 Premier League appearances for United (70.09%).
Lengthy-time backup goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak leads the best way with a save proportion of 80.58% throughout 32 appearances, with Van der Sar second with 76.13%.
De Gea, who performed 415 instances for the Pink Devils within the competitors, has the second-worst save proportion in that group, stopping 71.98% of photographs confronted.
Onana has since taken to social media to answer Matic, insisting he didn’t imply to disrespect Lyon along with his authentic feedback, but in addition aiming a dig on the Serbian.
Onana wrote on X: “I’d by no means be disrespectful to a different membership. We all know that tomorrow can be a troublesome sport in opposition to a powerful opponent.
“We give attention to making ready a efficiency to make our followers proud. At the very least, I’ve lifted trophies with the best membership on this planet. Some can’t say the identical.”
Matic didn’t win a single main trophy in his five-year spell at Previous Trafford, whereas Onana helped the Pink Devils win the FA Cup final season.