Manchester United goalkeeper [b]André Onana[/b] has responded sharply to [b]Nemanja Matic[/b] following the Serbian's comment labeling him as the “worst goalkeeper” ahead of their critical Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash against [b]Lyon[/b] on Thursday.

Onana, speaking before the match, expressed his confidence in Manchester United’s ability to defeat Lyon, stating: “We have to go there and show who we are. If we are focused, stay compact and together, and follow the gameplan, we will be winning the game. Of course, it’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them.”

The goalkeeper's remarks stirred tension, especially with Lyon’s Matic, who fired back during a press interaction. Matic retorted, “I don’t know. To say something like that, you need to have courage. I respect everyone, but I need to answer. When you’re one of the worst goalkeepers in Man Utd’s history, you need to take care about what you are talking.”

Matic went on to add, “If David de Gea, Peter Schmeichel or Van der Sar said that, I will question myself. But if you are statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s modern history, then he needs to show that, before he says so. We will see.”

In response to Matic’s jab, Onana hit back with a pointed comment: “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. At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”

This exchange has added extra spice to the upcoming match, with both teams feeling the pressure. Manchester United, struggling in 13th place in the Premier League, has seen its domestic hopes fade, making Europa League success their only realistic chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Meanwhile, Lyon enters the tie on the back of a strong run, having won eight of their last ten games, and will look to capitalize on any weaknesses in United’s squad.