'It's just a misunderstanding' - Amorim attempts to diffuse Onana-Matic war of words

Ruben Amorim insists the war of words between Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana and Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic was nothing more than a "misunderstanding", ahead of their Europa League quarter-final showdown.

The two teams collide at the Groupama Stadium in the first leg of the last-eight tie on Thursday.

The competition represents United's only realistic opportunity to land silverware and secure European football for next season, and Onana attempted to rally his team-mates by saying: "Of course, it's not going to be easy, but I think we are way better than them."

Former Red Devils midfielder Matic responded during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, telling reporters: "When you are one of the worst goalkeepers in Man Utd's history, you need to take care with what you're talking about."

Onana hit back at the ex-Serbia international, who did not win any silverware during his five seasons at Old Trafford.

"I would never be disrespectful to another club," the goalkeeper posted on X. "At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can't say the same."

I would never be disrespectful to 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’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same. pic.twitter.com/3easLRIz3d
— Andre Onana (@AndreyOnana) April 9, 2025

Amorim, who was Matic's team-mate at Benfica, attempted to provide context to the situation, of which he believes the subsequent commotion will have made Onana uncomfortable.

"[On Thursday] it will not matter," the head coach said. "If you see the full quote of Andre Onana, it's quite different.

"The first sentence is Lyon is a very, very good team so I think, sometimes, the players or coaches don't listen to the full quotes. Sometimes, it's just a misunderstanding. It is going to be a normal game.

"It's really hard to deal with that, that is for sure. Again, if you look at the quotes, you cannot see disrespect there. Just respect, but trying to give confidence and to show confidence in his team, especially this year.

"So, everybody can talk bad things about Manchester United. Sometimes, our group - as a player, as a coach, as a staff - has to show some confidence in our team. I think that's all.

"I know Nemanja Matic really well, and how good a guy he is. He hears some things by half, not the whole story. That, for me, is clear in this situation."