Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has addressed the recent tension between his goalkeeper, Andre Onana, and Lyon midfielder Nemanja Matic, ahead of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg. The situation arose after some remarks made by Onana were perceived as disrespectful, but Amorim has clarified that the comments were taken out of context and misinterpreted.
Speaking to the press, Amorim emphasized that Onana’s intentions were never to disrespect Lyon or provoke any kind of conflict. He pointed out that if one were to examine Onana’s statement in its entirety, it would become clear that there was no malice or disrespect intended. In fact, according to Amorim, Onana began his remarks by openly praising the French side, saying, “Lyon is a very, very good team.” Amorim suggested that sometimes, especially in the world of football where emotions run high, players might only hear fragments of what is said rather than the full context. This can easily lead to misunderstandings, which appears to be the case here.
The United boss continued by defending both players, describing Matic as a “great guy” and suggesting that there is no real animosity between the two. Amorim’s main message was that the issue had been blown out of proportion and that the upcoming match should proceed without any lingering bad blood between the teams or individuals involved. He stressed that what Onana truly meant was to express confidence and belief in his own team, which is a common sentiment for any professional athlete, especially ahead of a crucial European tie. The remarks were not intended as a slight against Lyon or any of their players.
By addressing the issue publicly, Amorim aimed to put the matter to rest and refocus attention on the football itself. He reassured fans and the media alike that the supposed controversy would not affect the match atmosphere, describing the upcoming game as a “normal” one. His comments portrayed a sense of calm and control, aimed at defusing any unnecessary tension between the teams.
Ultimately, Amorim’s clarification highlighted the importance of understanding full statements rather than reacting to isolated quotes. He stood firmly by Onana, reiterating the goalkeeper’s professionalism and respect for the opposition. As the teams prepare for their important European clash, Amorim’s diplomatic response serves to maintain harmony and shift the focus back to the pitch.
