Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic described Andre Onana as one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United's history as the two players became embroiled in a war of words ahead of Thursday's Europa League meeting.

United's only chance of silverware – and only realistic route to European qualification – is via the Europa League, and they go to Lyon for the first leg of their last-eight tie.

Despite United's struggles under Ruben Amorim, Onana gave a confident assessment of their chances in France, which drew the ire of Matic.

Speaking after Sunday's goalless draw with Manchester City, Onana said of the Lyon tie: "Of course it's not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them." 

And at Wednesday's pre-match press conference, Matic, who represented United between 2017 and 2022, hit back.

"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."

Onana has played 42 games this season, recording a save percentage of 67.47% while conceding 54 goals from 56.12 expected goals on target (xGOT) faced.

According to Opta's goals prevented model, this does mean he has shipped 2.12 goals fewer than would be expected, given the quality of chances his team have given up.

But since Opta began detailed collection of save statistics in 2003-04, Onana has the lowest save percentage of the six goalkeepers to make at least 20 Premier League appearances for United (70.09%).

Long-time backup goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak leads the way with a save percentage of 80.58% across 32 appearances, with Van der Sar second with 76.13%.

De Gea, who played 415 times for the Red Devils in the competition, has the second-worst save percentage in that group, stopping 71.98% of shots faced.

Onana has since taken to social media to respond to Matic, insisting he did not mean to disrespect Lyon with his original comments, but also aiming a dig at the Serbian.

Onana wrote on X: "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."

Matic did not win a single major trophy in his five-year spell at Old Trafford, while Onana helped the Red Devils win the FA Cup last season.