Show some respect! Fans attack Cameroonian goalie Onana after shady jab on ex-Man United star Matic

Onana and Matic continue heated exchange ahead of Lyon vs Man United in the Europa League.

Show some respect! Fans attack Cameroonian goalie Onana after shady jab on ex-Man United star Matic

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:15 - 10.04.2025

FA Cup winner Andre Onana has drawn the ire of fans following his heated exchange with former Man United midfielder Nemanja Matic ahead of their Europa League clash.

Tensions are running high ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League quarterfinal clash with Lyon, as a fiery war of words between United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana and former Red Devils midfielder Nemanja Matic has spilled into the spotlight.

The FA Cup-winning Cameroonian shot-stopper has found himself under fire from fans after his pointed remarks about the club’s struggles and a shady jab at Matic’s trophy cabinet escalated their pre-match spat.

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The drama kicked off when Onana, 29, claimed that Manchester United were superior to Lyon, despite the Red Devils’ inconsistent form this season.

Matic, who now plies his trade with Lyon after a storied stint at United and two Premier League titles with Chelsea, didn’t hold back in his response.

Andre Onana believes Man United are better than Lyon.
Andre Onana believes Man United are better than Lyon. || Image credit: Imago

The Serbian midfielder launched a scathing personal attack, branding Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history.”

Not one to back down, Onana took to X to fire back, defending his pride and slipping in a subtle dig at his former teammate.

Onana posted his FA Cup title win with Man United on X.
Onana posted his FA Cup title win with Man United on X.

“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,” he wrote.

Then came the sting: “At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”

Jose Mourinho and Nemanja Matic at Manchester United | Imago

The goalkeeper’s retort, highlighting his FA Cup win with United and his impressive resume, including stints at Ajax, Inter Milan, and a Champions League final appearance, only fanned the flames.

Fans flooded the comment section on X, with many slamming Onana for what they saw as a disrespectful jab at Matic, a beloved figure from United and Chelsea’s past.

Fans expect Onana to show respect to former Premier League winner Nemanja Matic.
Fans expect Onana to show respect to former Premier League winner Nemanja Matic.

“Have some respect for the 2-time Premier League champion and one of the best defensive midfielders in the world at his peak,” one fan fumed. “You are statistically one of the worst Man Utd keepers ever as he said, know your place.”

Another chimed in: “Nemanja Matic was wrong about you... not only are you one of the worst goalkeepers ever, but also one of the dumbest.”

Cameroon icon Andre Onana | Imago

Others were less forgiving. “Nonsense, you’re the worst all-time GK ever played for this club,” a critic raged. “Try to improve on the poles, not on X.”

Not all fans sided with Matic, though. One supporter leapt to Onana’s defense: “As much as I like to pull Onana’s leg, he has the right to defend himself here. As for you pajeet, stick to pretending to be a ‘football expert’ when you haven’t even kicked the ball once in your life!”

Nemanja Matic hits back at Andre Onana

As the Europa League showdown looms, the clash between Onana and Matic has added an extra layer of intrigue to an already pivotal encounter.

With fans divided and emotions boiling over, all roads lead to the Groupama Stadium in France to see if Onana can back up his words with a performance or if Matic’s Lyon will have the last laugh.