Onana is one of the worst goalkeepers in Man Utd's modern history, says Matic ahead of UEL clash

IANS April 9, 2025 193 views

Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has launched a scathing attack on current goalkeeper Andre Onana, labeling him "statistically one of the worst" in the club's modern history. Matic's comments come after Onana claimed superiority over Lyon ahead of their Europa League clash, prompting a sharp rebuke from the Serbian player. The criticism arrives at a particularly challenging time for Manchester United, who are experiencing their worst league performance in recent memory. With the team sitting 13th and the Europa League their last hope for Champions League qualification, tensions are running high within the squad.

"If you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history, you need to take care of what you're talking about" - Nemanja Matic
Lyon, April 9: Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who is now playing for Utd’s Europa League opponents Olympique Lyonnais, hit back at goalkeeper Andre Onana, who claimed his team was better than the French side and said they don’t have to focus on Friday’s opponents rather on themselves.

Key Points

1

Matic challenges Onana's comments about team quality

2

Man Utd facing potentially worst league finish in history

3

Team currently sits 13th with poor goal difference

4

Europa League remains only hope for Champions League qualification

Matic made 189 appearances for the Red Devils during a five-year spell at Old Trafford before leaving on a free transfer. The Serbian holding midfielder pointed that Onana is ‘statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s modern history’ and he needs to prove himself on the field before making such comments.

"I don't know, to say that, you need to have cover for something like that. I respect everyone but to say that, then you need to get the answer. If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history, you need to take care of what you’re talking about.

"If David de Gea or Peter Schmeichel, (Edwin) Van der Sar said that, then I will question myself. But if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s modern history, then he needs to show that, before he says. We will see,” said Matic in the pre-game conference.

Matic’s comments certainly have weight behind them as Man Utd are on course to their lowest finish in league history, overtaking the previous lowest set by Erik Ten Hag’s United in 2023-24 when they finished eighth. The side is currently sitting at 13th place after having won only 10 of their 31 games played.

The club has also conceded 41 goals, while scoring 37, which has resulted in a minus four goal difference in standings at this stage.

The Ruben Amorim coached side have spent a majority of the season in the lower half of the table and have been eliminated from the FA Cup. A win in the Europa League is of utmost importance for the United side as it is the only thing left for them to play for and they can secure a spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League if they manage to lift the Europa trophy at the end of the season.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
Oof, Matic didn't hold back! 😬 Onana has been shaky but calling him one of the worst is harsh. The whole team's been poor this season - can't just blame the keeper.
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Sarah L.
Stats don't lie though... 41 goals conceded is brutal. Onana was supposed to be an upgrade from De Gea but so far it's been a downgrade. Hope he proves Matic wrong in the UEL!
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Tom R.
Matic speaking facts. Onana needs to focus on improving his game instead of trash talking opponents. United's defense is a mess but he's made some shocking errors.
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Aisha B.
Respectfully disagree with Matic here. Onana's distribution is miles better than De Gea's. The problem is the entire defensive structure - no keeper would look good behind this backline.
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Mike D.
This Lyon match just got spicy! 🔥 Matic vs Onana is the subplot I didn't know I needed. Hope the cameras catch their interactions during the game.
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Emma W.
As a United fan, this hurts to read but it's true. From Schmeichel to Van der Sar to De Gea... Onana isn't in the same league yet. Hope he turns it around.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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