Nemanja Matic hit back at Andre Onana’s comments about Lyon by calling him “one of the worst goalkeepers” in Manchester United’s history.
Onana boldly claimed United were "way better" than Lyon ahead of Thursday's Europa League quarter-final first leg in France.
Lyon midfielder Matic, who spent five years at Old Trafford, was asked about Onana's words at his pre-match news conference on Wednesday and his response was cutting.
"If you're one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history then you need to take care of what you are talking about," said Matic.
"If David De Gea, Peter Schmeichel or Edwin van der Sar said that I would question myself but if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's modern history, he needs to show that before he says it."
What did Onana say about Lyon?
Onana was in confident mood when he spoke to the press after keeping his ninth Premier League clean sheet of the season in Sunday's drab derby draw with Manchester City.
Asked about Lyon ahead of Thursday's quarter-final first leg, he said: "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. If we go there with a winning mentality and we are focused, stay compact and together and we follow the game plan we will be winning the game.
"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."
doybeimort
38
Tears for Onana. He has gone through a lot. One thing I have observed in him is that he has a strong character. He has been attached left, right and center. But if history is anything to go by, surely Onana is not a bad goalkeeper. If his critics could only remember his exploits when he played for Ajax in those memorable UCL encounters! His play at Inter- Milan, doesn't that define a quality player? His terrible mistake was to sign for a perennially struggling Manchester United. He came at the wrong time. But he is not alone in those struggles, Casemiro, Varane, Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wan- Bissaka the list is endless
Laybciouyz
31
Football these days is a woman. The moment you fail to deliver they forget about everything you've ever given them. Onana has been one of Man U's best goalkeepers in recent years but just because he is having a bad season like most teams out there, fans now think he is the worst. Same as Real Madrid head coach. Every Real Madrid Fan thinks he is not a good coach just because he is having a bad season. They forget how many trophies he has given them. THAT'S FOOTBALL NOWADAYS FKR YOU....
luuilnpstu
14
If I were Matic, I wouldn't rush my mouth so quickly with Man United recent form and progression! And I sense racism all over there! Onana made a team comment and will possibly shake Lyon's players hands after the match cause no individual comments on anyone! But can Matic see Onana face to face and shake his hand after what he said? Yes! Believe me, those people don't care in fact to put a black man down and smile right to his face. what they can never do against another white cause he'll talk back and retaliate