André Onana has made a controversial comment ahead of Manchester United’s clash against Lyon in the Europa League and a response has been issued.
Manchester United might have secured six points from their last two matches with more clinical finishing – but instead, they had to settle for just one.
Ruben Amorim’s side can’t afford to dwell on those missed opportunities, as a crucial Europa League quarter-final clash with Lyon now awaits.
With little left to fight for in the Premier League, United’s only realistic route to European football next season hinges on winning the Europa League.
After finishing third in their group, the Reds overcame Real Sociedad 5-2 on aggregate in the round of 16. They are the only team in the competition who remain unbeaten.
Facing French outfit Lyon in the next round will be a sterner challenge, but Amorim’s men will be confident in their ability to reach the semi-finals.
Onana’s controversial claim about Lyon
United will undoubtably have internal confidence that they can beat Lyon but they certainly cannot underestimate the Ligue 1 side.
André Onana seemed to do exactly that when speaking to journalists ahead of the game and stating that United are “way better” than their opposition.
“We all know the importance of this game, we will go there with the winning mentality,” he told reporters this week.
“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.”
Lyon respond to Onana’s comments
Following on from Onana’s comments, it has been reported that Lyon have a clear response to the United goalkeeper’s words.
According to Made In Gones, the French side have taken the jap from Onana as a “motivational force” heading into the two-legged tie.
It was added that Paulo Fonseca’s side are determined to make the Cameroon international look silly for making such a claim before a ball has even been kicked.
The comments have not gone unnoticed and the report finalises that it will add to an atmosphere in Lyon which already “promises to be volcanic”.
United fans were not entirely happy when they heard Onana essentially writing off their opponents and it seems like it has only fired up the French side ahead of the game.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.