Cameroonian international André Onana and his family have been placed under police protection following a street robbery in Manchester that targeted his wife, Mélanie Kamayou.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kamayou was attacked outside an Italian restaurant in the city, where she was robbed of a luxury Hermès handbag and a Rolex watch.
The value of the stolen items is estimated at €73,000 (approximately 48 million CFA francs). One suspect has been arrested and appeared in Chester Magistrates’ Court, but the main assailant remains at large, prompting authorities to implement additional security measures around the Manchester United goalkeeper and his family.
The incident has left Onana “furious,” and his wife reportedly “devastated” by the traumatic experience. The heightened security comes at a time when the 28-year-old goalkeeper is also facing increased scrutiny on the pitch.
As Manchester United prepare to face Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday, Onana finds himself at the centre of controversy following a public war of words with Lyon midfielder and former Red Devils player Nemanja Matić.
The tension began after Onana made comments perceived as boasting about the superior quality of Manchester United’s current squad.
In a sharp response, Matić branded Onana “the worst goalkeeper in the club’s history” and questioned his right to speak about the team’s standards.
“Before you speak, you have to prove it,” Matić said, drawing a pointed comparison between Onana and Manchester United legends David De Gea and Peter Schmeichel. The Serbian’s remarks have since sparked widespread debate across media platforms.
In an effort to defuse the growing storm, Onana responded via social media, insisting he meant no disrespect toward his former club.
“I will never be disrespectful to another club,” he stated, before shifting focus to the upcoming match. “We know tomorrow’s match will be a tough encounter against a tough opponent.”
However, the Cameroonian could not resist adding a subtle rebuttal, saying, “At least I won trophies with the biggest club in the world. Not everyone can say that.”
As emotions run high off the field, Onana faces a pivotal moment in his turbulent season. The former Inter Milan and Ajax goalkeeper has endured a challenging campaign at Old Trafford, with critics questioning his consistency since his arrival.
Now, against the backdrop of personal turmoil and public criticism, he returns to the spotlight in Lyon under intense pressure to deliver.
The atmosphere ahead of Thursday’s encounter at Groupama Stadium is already tense, with sporting stakes amplified by the personal and professional drama surrounding Onana.
For the Cameroonian shot-stopper, it is not only a test of athletic resilience but also of mental fortitude, as he seeks to navigate one of the most trying periods of his career.
🔴 Manchester United a placé André Onana et sa famille sous protection pendant plusieurs jours après que sa femme ait été agressée et volée dans la rue. 🚔🇨🇲
[@MailSport] pic.twitter.com/7w0BXgPu9O
— AllezLesLions (@AllezLesLions) April 10, 2025
