Ruben Amorim insists that the words war between goalkeeper Andre Onana and Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic was nothing more than a “misunderstanding”, prior to their quarter-final showdown of the Europa League.
The two teams collide in the Groupama Stadium in the first stage of the Last-Eight Tie on Thursday.
The competition offers United's only realistic chance to land silverware and secure European football for next season, and Onana tried to collect his teammates by saying: “Of course it will not be easy, but I think we are much better than they do.”
Former Red Devils midfielder Matic reacted during his press conference before the competition on Wednesday and told reporters: “If you are one of the worst keepers in the history of Man Utd, you should worry about what you are talking about.”
Onana hit back at the ex-Serbia International, who did not win any silverware during his five seasons in Old Trafford.
“I would never be disrespectful for another club,” the goalkeeper placed on X. “At least I have lifted trophies with the largest club in the world. Some cannot say the same thing.”
I would never be disrespectful for 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 have lifted trophies with the largest club in the world. Some cannot say the same. pic.twitter.com/3EASLRIZ3D
– Andre Onana (@andreyonana) April 9, 2025
Amorim, who was Matic's teammate at Benfica, tried to give the situation too context, which he believes will have made the subsequent commotion Onana uncomfortable.
“[On Thursday] It doesn't matter, “said the head coach.” If you see Andre Onana's full quote, it is very different.
“The first sentence is that Lyon is a whole, very good team, so I think the players or coaches sometimes don't listen to the full quotes. Sometimes it's just a misunderstanding. It will be a normal game.
“It is really difficult to deal with that, that's for sure. Again, if you look at the quotes, you can't see any lack of respect there. Just respect, but try to give confidence and show trust in his team, especially this year.
“So everyone can talk bad things about Manchester United. Sometimes our group – as a player, as a coach, as a staff – has to show some trust in our team. I think that is all.
“I know Nemanja Matic really well, and how good a man he is. He hears some things in half, not the whole story. That is clear to me in this situation.”