Nemanja Matic Reflects on Tense Exchange with Andre Onana During Europa League Quarter-Final

Manchester United reached the Europa League final in the 2024-25 season, although the journey was far from straightforward.

Andre Onana stirred controversy with a pre-quarter-final remark about their opponents, Lyon, stating his team was 'way better.'

This comment only added pressure to a struggling Manchester United side, particularly given Onana's inconsistent performances as their goalkeeper.

Nemanja Matic on His Exchange of Words with Andre Onana

In a pre-match media interaction, former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, set to play against his old club, responded candidly to Onana's comments. Having previously played over 150 matches with David De Gea, Matic drew comparisons between the two goalkeepers.

"I said what I said before the game, just because he was a bit arrogant," Matic reflected. "He said, ‘We’re way better than Lyon.’ I don’t think you say that before a quarter-final in the Europa League."

Matic further explained, "I wanted to put more pressure on him with my answer, and he made that mistake. I don’t know if our second goal was his mistake or a half-mistake."

Despite the tension, Matic acknowledged Onana's talent: "He’s a great goalkeeper – he had a good couple of years at Ajax and at Inter. He could have done better at United, but in the circumstances at the club, there was too much pressure on him. If you ask me now though, I don’t think he’s a bad guy."

The quarter-final tie turned out to be a thrilling encounter, with Onana at fault for the first goal. The match ended with 13 total goals, an astonishing five of which were scored during extra time after both legs had concluded 2-2. Lyon initially led by two goals at Old Trafford, but Manchester United rallied back with goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire, sealing their place in the semi-finals.