Andre Onana, the goalkeeper for Manchester United, had no hesitation in making his emotions clear after the team’s opening goal against Lyon on Thursday night.
His actions, which came shortly after Manuel Ugarte’s early strike, only added fuel to the growing tensions surrounding his performance in the ongoing Europa League quarter-final.
A Celebratory Gesture Towards Lyon Fans
Within just 10 minutes of the game, Ugarte put Manchester United ahead with a close-range finish following Alejandro Garnacho’s well-placed pass across the box.
In response to the goal, Onana made his way over to the south-east stand at Old Trafford, where Lyon’s away supporters were gathered.
The goalkeeper, who has had his fair share of controversies recently, couldn’t resist laughing and celebrating in front of the Lyon faithful.
This wasn’t the end of Onana’s antics. When United doubled their lead through Diogo Dalot’s goal, Onana once again made his way to the away section, raising his fists in celebration
. Dalot had shrugged off a challenge from Lyon’s Nicolas Tagliafico and fired a low shot into the bottom corner, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Onana’s actions in both instances were clearly meant to rile up the visiting fans and show his confidence.
A Week of Controversy for Onana
These celebrations came just a week after Onana’s frustrating performance in the first leg of the tie in France, where his errors played a significant role in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw.
Onana’s double howler had denied United what could have been a crucial win.
Early in the match, he flapped at a cross, allowing a weak delivery to bounce over him and into the net.
Then, in the dying moments, he palmed a close-range shot right into the path of Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who equalized.
Despite these mistakes, Onana was back on the front foot in this second-leg match, showing a level of defiance with his celebrations.
Feud with Nemanja Matic Adds More Fuel to the Fire
Onana’s behavior wasn’t just limited to his goal celebrations.
His actions come on the back of an ongoing feud with former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic.
The drama began when Onana claimed that United were “better than” their opponents, Lyon.
Matic, who left Old Trafford in 2022, didn’t take too kindly to this and responded by calling Onana “one of the worst goalkeepers” in United’s history.
Onana didn’t back down and took to social media to clarify his comments about Lyon, while also taking a shot at Matic’s five years at United, which were without any major silverware.
On X, he wrote: “At least I’ve lifted trophies with the greatest club in the world. Some can’t say the same.”
It’s clear that Onana’s combative attitude is not just limited to his performances on the field but extends to his interactions with former players and opponents as well.
A Dramatic Europa League Showdown Continues
As the second leg of the Europa League quarter-final progresses, the stakes have only grown higher.
Onana’s celebratory moments were just a glimpse into the drama unfolding at Old Trafford, and with tensions running high, the match promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tie.