Scholes Defends Onana Amid Matic Tensions Before Europa League Clash

Ahead of Manchester United's Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, a public spat unfolded between United goalkeeper Andre Onana and former player Nemanja Matic, now with Lyon, after Onana claimed United were superior to their opponents. Matic responded by criticizing Onana as 'one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United history,' leading to heightened scrutiny after Onana's errors contributed to a 2-2 first-leg draw. In the lead-up to the second leg at Old Trafford, Paul Scholes, serving as a pundit, shared that he told Matic to 'leave our goalkeeper alone,' but also joined other ex-United players in criticizing Onana's recent performances. Scholes and Rio Ferdinand both suggested that Onana's confidence was fragile and advised the team to limit his involvement during matches. Despite the tension, Scholes acknowledged Matic's enduring fitness and career achievements during their pre-match conversation. The exchange reflects both the pressure on Onana and the ongoing influence of United alumni in shaping public narratives around the club.