Paul Scholes has given his verdict on the spat between Nemanja Matic and Andre Onana – and suggested both players were in the wrong.
The two stars, whose sides will do battle on Thursday night, indirectly clashed in the build-up to Manchester United versus Lyon in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final clash.
Matic took exception to Onana claiming Lyon are a ‘very good team’ but that ‘I think we are better than them’, branding the shot-stopper ‘one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history’.
Onana then took to social media to hit back himself, posting: ‘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.’
Scholes has now given his take on the events, but didn’t back either players’ corner in terms of the disagreement.
‘I don’t think it was something I would have done, try and provoke a team by saying you ae better than them,’ the former Man United midfielder said on TNT Sports of Onana’s comments. ‘It’s not wise, but they have to perform.
‘Matic overreacted slightly, it was a bit aggressive, but I don’t mind a bit of needle.’
Karen Carney added: ‘I am gutted he’s not starting but Onana has to step up and make sure he comes away with a clean sheet, he went up to check the net and fans were giving him stick, he needs a solid performance to back it up.’
The pair have never played together, but it comes amid scrutiny of Onana following a series high-profile errors since joining United in 2023 for £47million from Inter Milan.
Matic spent five seasons at Old Trafford, accumulating 189 appearances, although he was unable to build on the two Premier League titles, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup that he won with Chelsea.
Onana, meanwhile, has won both domestic cups once so far, and could add the Europa League to that haul.
