Andre Onana proves Matic right with two costly howlers against Lyon

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has proved Nemanja Matic right with two “costly” howlers in the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Olympic Lyon on Thursday night.

Ahead of United’s Europa League first-leg quarter-final in Lyon, the two exchanged “strong” words to set the ball rolling for the night.

Matic drew first blood, calling Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers” in United’s history.

“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,” Matic said.

The former Inter Milan goalie hit back with a subtle jibe about winning more trophies than the Serbian at Old Trafford, but those words came back to haunt him when he got Thiago Almada’s free-kick all wrong as United went behind in the 25th minute.

Two costly howlers from Andre Onana cost Man United a win away to Lyon in the Europa Conference League (Image by Getty Images)

United’s defender Leny Yoro equalised with his first goal for United by reacting quickly to Manuel Ugarte’s volley and diverting the ball into the bottom corner in the final seconds of the first half.

The Red Devils, beaming with confidence, thought that they had won it late when substitute Joshua Zirkzee headed home Bruno Fernandes’ looping cross in the 88th minute.

But, with the last play before the final whistle, Onana spilled Georges Mikautadze’s shot and Rayan Cherki tapped in on the rebound, gifting him with a late leveller – the game ended 2-2.

Since the start of last season, Onana has made nine errors leading to goals in all competitions, the most of any keeper playing for a Premier League club.

At the end of the day, Matic’s words proved to be “gospel” for the United goalkeeper with two avoidable howlers that cost United a priceless first leg win.