Nemanja Matic Criticizes Andre Onana's Goalkeeping Ahead of UEL Match
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Synopsis
Nemanja Matic, a former Manchester United player now with Olympique Lyonnais, criticizes goalkeeper Andre Onana's recent claims about his team's superiority. Matic points out Onana's poor performance statistics and emphasizes the need for him to prove himself on the field before making such statements.
Key Takeaways
- Matic questions Onana's claims about team superiority.
- Onana has poor statistical performance historically.
- Matic emphasizes the need for proof through performance.
- Manchester United risks their lowest league finish in history.
- A Europa League win is crucial for United's aspirations.
Lyon, April 9 (NationPress) Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic, currently representing Utd's Europa League rivals Olympique Lyonnais, responded to goalkeeper Andre Onana, who suggested his team was superior to the French club and emphasized the need to focus on their own performance instead of their Friday opponents.
Matic, who made 189 appearances for the Red Devils during his five-year tenure at Old Trafford before departing on a free transfer, pointed out that Onana is statistically one of the lowest-rated goalkeepers in Manchester United's modern era and must justify his statements on the pitch before making such claims.
"I don't know, to make a statement like that, you need to have evidence to back it up. I respect everyone but to make such a claim, you must be ready to face the consequences. If you are among the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history, you should be cautious about your words.
"If David de Gea, Peter Schmeichel, or Edwin Van der Sar made that assertion, I would reflect on my performance. But if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's modern history, then you need to deliver results before speaking up. We will see,” Matic stated during the pre-match conference.
Matic’s remarks hold significance as Manchester United is on track for their lowest league finish in history, surpassing the previous record set by Erik Ten Hag’s team in the 2023-24 season, where they finished eighth. Currently, the team is in 13th place, having secured only 10 victories out of 31 matches played.
The club has also allowed 41 goals while netting 37, resulting in a goal difference of minus four at this stage.
The team coached by Ruben Amorim has spent most of the season in the bottom half of the table and has been knocked out of the FA Cup. A victory in the Europa League is crucial for United as it is their last chance for silverware, and they could clinch a spot in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League if they triumph in the Europa League.
