Nemanja Matic, a former Manchester United midfielder, has fiercely criticized goalkeeper Andre Onana, branding him “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s history. Matic’s outburst came in response to Onana’s bold assertion that United are “way better” than Lyon, ahead of their Europa League quarter-final first leg in France on Thursday. Ruben Amorim’s faltering United, currently languishing in 13th place in the Premier League after a dismal season, remain unbeaten in European competition as they prepare to face the Ligue 1 side, who sit fifth in their domestic table.

Onana made the confident claim following a 0-0 draw in the Manchester derby on Sunday, acknowledging that beating Lyon would be tough but insisting United hold the edge. His comments drew a sharp rebuke from Matic, a Serbian star with stints at both United and Chelsea, during a press exchange on the eve of the match. “I respect everyone, but if you say that, you need to back it up,” Matic said. “If you’re among the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history, watch what you say. Had David de Gea, Peter Schmeichel, or Edwin van der Sar made that claim, I’d think twice. But for someone statistically among United’s modern-era worst, he needs to prove it first. We’ll see.”