Tensions are rising ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League quarter-final clash with Lyon after a war of words between current goalkeeper André Onana and former midfielder Nemanja Matic.
Matic, who now plays for Lyon, criticized Onana, calling him “one of the worst goalkeepers” in Manchester United’s history. His comments came after Onana claimed United are “way better” than Lyon ahead of their match.
“If you are one of the worst keepers in Manchester United history, you need to be careful,” Matic, 36, said. “If someone like David de Gea, Peter Schmeichel or Edwin van der Sar said that, I would think twice. But if you’re not performing well, it’s better to prove yourself before talking.”
Onana responded calmly but firmly, pointing out his achievements since joining United in 2023. “I would never be disrespectful to another club,” he said. “We know it will be a tough game. But at least I’ve won trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”
The Cameroon international has played 93 matches for United since his £43.8 million move from Inter Milan. He helped the club win the FA Cup in his first season. Despite that, his stats have sparked debate.
Onana has conceded 137 goals in all competitions and kept 23 clean sheets. That means he concedes an average of 1.47 goals per game. In the Premier League, he has nine clean sheets this season — the fourth most in the league — even though United sit 13th in the table.
Statistically, Onana has also done well in some areas. According to Opta, he has prevented 7.5 goals more than expected based on the quality of shots faced — second only to Everton’s Jordan Pickford, who prevented 8.7.
However, Onana has also made several key mistakes. He was widely criticized for errors in United’s early Champions League exit. Since the start of the 2023-24 season, only three Premier League keepers have made more errors that led to goals: Arijanet Muric (7), Robert Sanchez (6), and Bart Verbruggen (6). Onana has made four.
Despite the criticism, he leads in saves per game since the 2003-04 season among United goalkeepers. He averages 3.4 saves per 90 minutes, ahead of De Gea (2.8) and Van der Sar (2.5). But when it comes to save percentage, only Anders Lindegaard ranks lower.
Onana also concedes more frequently than any other United goalkeeper in the Premier League era — once every 63 minutes. That’s more often than Lindegaard (81), De Gea (84), Schmeichel (106), Van der Sar (117), and Roy Carroll (152), who tops the list.
United’s struggles this season have added to the criticism. The team is currently in the bottom half of the table, and head coach Ruben Amorim even said in January that this may be “the worst” United team in its 147-year history.
Onana’s clean sheet percentage is also among the lowest for United goalkeepers in the Premier League. Only Raimond van der Gouw ranks lower. Ben Foster, though only playing 12 games, leads with a 50% clean sheet rate.
While comparisons with legends like Schmeichel and Van der Sar may seem harsh, the numbers paint a mixed picture. Onana has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains a concern, especially in a season where United’s defense is under more pressure than ever.
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