Ruben Amorim Breaks Silence on Andre Onana-Nemanja Matic Clash Ahead of Crucial Europa League Tie

Ruben Amorim Breaks Silence on Andre Onana-Nemanja Matic Clash Ahead of Crucial Europa League Tie

Abigael Wafula 08:43 - 10.04.2025

Andre Onana and Nemanja Matic engaged in a verbal feud ahead of Manchester United's Europa League clash with Lyon, with Ruben Amorim defending Onana.

In the build-up to the Europa League clash between Manchester United and Lyon, Andre Onana and Nemanja Matic have been involved in a war of words that has brought a lot of attention to the two clubs.

Manchester United will travel to the Groupama Stadium in France for the first leg of the quarter-final.

The exchange between Manchester United goalkeeper Onana and Lyon midfielder Matic has since made headlines and caused tension among the two clubs ahead of the crucial tie.

How the drama between Andre Onana and Nemanja Matic started

Andre Onana and Nemanja Matic
How the drama between Andre Onana and Nemanja Matic started

Following Sunday’s Manchester United 0-0 draw against Manchester City, Andre Onana gave his opinion about their upcoming clash against Lyon.

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The Cameroonian claimed that Manchester United is better than Lyon and they have a better chance to do better.

He did not downplay the fact that Lyon is a great team but still insisted that Manchester United will be the team to beat when they get on the pitch.

Onana also shared that the players need to go into the match with a winning mentality to ensure they come out victorious.

"It's a very good team. We know some of them but I don't think we have to focus on them. It's more about us, what we're going to do. I think we are better than them, we just have to go there and show who we are,” Andre Onana said.

"Of course, it's not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them. We all know the importance of this game, we will go there with the winning mentality, it's not our best season but we still have something to win and we will go for it."

Nemanja Matic hits back at Andre Onana

Nemanja Matic hits back at Andre Onana
Nemanja Matic hits back at Andre Onana

Nemanja Matic took the statements from Andre Onana with seriousness and in a press conference on Wednesday, he slammed the Manchester United goalie, labelling him as one of the worst goalkeepers in the history of Manchester United.

Matic compared Onana to the likes of David de Gea and Van der Sar and insisted that the latter is nowhere near them.

"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,” Matic said.

“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."

Andre Onana clapped back at Nemanja Matic, saying: “I would never be disrespectful to another club. We know that tomorrow will be a difficult game against a strong opponent.

We focus on preparing a performance to make our fans proud. At least I've lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can't say the same."

Ruben Amorim weighs in on Andre Onana vs Nemanja Matic

Ruben Amorim weighs in on Andre Onana vs Nemanja Matic
Ruben Amorim weighs in on Andre Onana vs Nemanja Matic

Ruben Amorim jumped to Andre Onana’s defence, explaining that Nemanja Matic misunderstood what he meant.

The Manchester United boss claimed that Nemanja Matic was quick to jump to conclusions and did not take time to comprehend what Onana said.

"We will see. Tomorrow, Onana is going to play. Altay is returning now. We have two top goalkeepers who are ready to play. If you see the full quote of Andre Onana, it is quite different,” Ruben Amorim said as per Sports Mole.

“The first sentence is that 'Lyon is a very, very good team'. Sometimes the players don't listen to the full quotes and it is just a misunderstanding. I know Matic also, he is a great guy, so tomorrow is going to be a normal game.

"Again, if you look at all the quotes, you cannot see disrespect there, just respect. But to show confidence to his team. Everyone talks about bad things about Manchester United this year. Someone has to show some confidence in our team.”

Ruben Amorim also confirmed that Andre Onana will start at Lyon despite Altay Bayindir's return to fitness.