Goalkeeper André Onana has fired back at former Manchester United player Nemanja Matić after he labelled the 29-year-old “one of the worst goalkeepers” the club has ever had.
The comment didn’t come out of nowhere, just to clarify, but still – yikes…
With Matić now playing for Olympique Lyonnais, a.k.a. Lyon, the club Man United will be facing in their season-defining Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night, the Serbian international was responding to recent comments made by Onana that the Red Devils were comfortably the stronger side.
The Cameroonian keeper said ahead of the first leg: “Of course, it’s not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them”. To which Matić had this to say…
🗣️ "If you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man Utd history, you need to take care"
Nemanja Matić has hit back at Andre Onana after the United keeper said that they are "way better" than their Europa League opponents Lyon 🔴 pic.twitter.com/jYDWgyprVG
As you can see, Ex-United midfielder Matić didn’t hold back when sharing his own thoughts on this particular member of his former club, very much calling on the ‘people in glass houses’ adage.
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Despite insisting that he “respect[s] everyone”, he did go on to add that “if you are one of the, statistically, worst goalkeepers in Man United‘s modern history then, you know, he needs to show that [he up their with the better shotstoppers] before he says [things like that].”
Onana has been a divisive figure since he replaced David de Gea, who has since gone on to enjoy a bit of a renaissance over in Serie A and has even had his contract at Fiorentina extended following several impressive performances.
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The now 36-year-old holding midfielder left Old Trafford back in 2022 after being brought to the club by Jose Mourinho; he ultimately went on to join Roma in the summer before moving to Rennes and, most recently, Lyon last year.
Having shared an Instagram story of himself simply laughing in training, Onana also decided to write a brief post addressing the situation without responding to the former Red directly.
It seems the United number one (well, technically no. 24) seemed to be suggesting that no offence was intended, but he ultimately signed off by adding his own dig: “At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”
While it is true that Matić didn’t lift win silverware during his time at Manchester United, many fans were keen to point out that he did win multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups with Chelsea.
Nevertheless, the virtual spat has made for plenty of entertainment ahead of what is a huge game for both clubs, not least of all Ruben Amorim‘s side, who are staring down one of their worst seasons on record. Safe to say a trophy would be a big tonic during a turbulent time at the club.
Whether or not it’s just a bit of harmless trash talk ahead of an extremely competitive fixture, moments like this still feel fairly few and fair between in football these days. We can’t wait to see what might happen when the two meet on the pitch.
You can see Matić’s pre-match press conference ahead of taking on his old employers in a crucial knockout tie in full down below:
Manchester United youth player James Overy praised for wholesome moment with young fan
Danny Jones
Manchester United academy player James Overy is receiving heaps of praise online after a video of a heartwarming interaction between him and a young fan went viral on social media.
The Australian-born youngster joined the club and the Carrington set-up back in the summer of 2024, and has flown somewhat under the radar to plenty of supporters, quietly going about his business and continuing his progression.
However, it’s fair to say he’s had a good month or so, as not only did he provide a crucial assist in the under-18s FA Youth Cup semis against Crystal Palace roughly a fortnight ago – with two goals proving enough to book their spot in a Manchester derby final – but now he’s being hailed off the pitch, too.
Taking the time to not just say hello and chat with the young girl after the game, but go so far in engaging with her as to gift her a pair of his boots, it wasn’t just a lovely gesture, but one that will probably stay with the wide-eyed child forever.
Not the point, obviously, but there’s something very charming about him repeatedly asking, “Is that alright?” and double-checking if she’s happy with the colour.
He might not be a born and bred Manc but there’s still something very British about it.
The Aussie, only 18 years old himself, has quickly been applauded for what looked to be some very mature and admirable behaviour: spending time with Reds long after the full-time whistle and showing his own appreciation for their support.
Reactions are as you would expect: “What a lad!”, “What it’s [all] about, inspiring the younger generation. Top man”; “What a legend, hope he’s got a good career ahead of him”, and so on.
Others also noted his ‘humility’ at such a young age, with one person going on to add that “a lot of professional players could learn a lot from that young man.”
Here he is talking about his senior debut against West Ham United when he was just a boy.
Prior to a memorable night of his own in the important win at Old Trafford, Overy received his first national team call-up back in November, but is also eligible for Scotland, having already represented both at various youth levels.
He’s also worn the captain’s armband for the U18s and is one of several prospects that United fans who follow all the age groups are keeping an eye on.
Others in that same squad include the Fletcher twins (sons of former player turned coach, Darren), Chido Obi, and the increasingly promising JJ Gabriel, who is still just 15 himself.
If they all follow the example set by James on how to conduct themselves as professionals, as he did with young Imogen, they won’t go far wrong.
Highlights from Man United’s semi-final victory over Palace in the 2025/26 FA Youth Cup
Manchester Storm announce return to AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades
Danny Jones
In a huge bit of regional sporting news, Manchester Storm have announced they will be coming home to the AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades away from the iconic venue.
Massive news for Manc ice hockey followers and local sports fans in general.
Revealing the long-awaited return after 24 long years away from the place where Manchester’s native hockey team first began its story, the team, AO figures, and even some fans were part of a special announcement event inside the 20,000-seater stadium this week.
Confirming the news on Monday, 27 April, MCR Storm will be back playing at the AO Arena later this year – just in time for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) April 27, 2026
As detailed in a full press release from the Greater Manchester club, they are seemingly marking a milestone moment in their next chapter by going back to their roots.
It goes on to read: “Founded back in 1995 as a tenant of the then newly-opened Manchester Arena, the original Manchester Storm quickly became one of British ice hockey’s most iconic teams.
“In their inaugural season, the Storm secured the First Division championship before becoming founding members of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996.”
Coming somewhat full circle more than a generation later (Storm having made it to the play-off finals of the modern Elite Ice Hockey League era this April for the first time in their history), they have made one-off returns to the storied space in recent times.
However, many supporters have been waiting for a fully fledged return for some time now; equally, others are understandably sad to pay a bittersweet goodbye to the ‘Storm Shelter’ over in Altrincham, with the building having already pulled licensing for next year.
They have been at the Planet Ice rink for over a decade now, and the company itself have even issued a lengthy response following the departure – namely noting the issue of communication, clarity and fair notice. Nevertheless, for the vast majority, this felt like a long-overdue comeback.
With an ex-player turned head coach and all-round club legend, Cam Critchlow, having also signed on for another campaign behind the bench, it’s been a busy week in and around the organisation.
Representing the Manchester Storm ownership group, former coach Ryan Finnerty and partner Emma said in a joint statement: “This is a major milestone for our partnership group and a vision we’ve worked towards for some time.
Returning Manchester Storm to the AO Arena is a proud moment for everyone involved. It’s about giving our fans a premier stage in the heart of the city and delivering an outstanding live experience.
“Together with our leadership team and Canadian partners, our ambition is clear — not just to compete, but to lead in the Elite Ice Hockey League and beyond. This marks the start of an exciting new era for the club. Manchester Storm is coming home.
“Today marks a hugely exciting and significant moment for both the Manchester Storm and the Elite League”. The EIHL themselves have also celebrated the news, adding that they feel it reflects “the scale and ambition of the league”.
Are you happy to see them setting up shop at the AO Arena once again? Better still, do you remember going there to watch games the first time around? Let us know down in the comments.
Danny Jones -
9th April 2025 
