Nemanja Matic is a gain for United–a perfect solution to Manchester’s midfield problem.
As Manchester United prepares to challenge for big prizes in the upcoming season, Jose Mourinho has identified central midfield as an area needing reinforcement.
Mourinho wasn’t shy about saying that, either. His public outcry put pressure on United’s Vice Chairman, Ed Woodward, to seal a deal.
The arrival of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea could be the solution Mourinho has been searching for. The Serbian international is the third signing since the arrival of Lidenlof and Lukaku. It’s a reunion, too, between Mourinho and his former Chelsea midfielder.
Mourinho’s off-the-field relationship with Matic was instrumental in bringing him to ManU.
Matic’s addition will offer the manager more tactical flexibility and will help bring the best out of Paul Pogba. Matic could be deployed alongside Herrera in a 4-2-3-1 formation, giving Pogba the freedom to move into a more advanced position.
The Serbian could also play in 4-3-3 formation, sitting in front of the back four and allowing the Frenchman to operate on the left side of the midfield where he excelled during his time at Juventus.
Courtesy: The Sun
There’s no doubt Matic’s qualities will be a plus to the team. He’s comfortable in possession and his ball retention techniques are magnificent. His passing range and the ability to break up play are sublime.
And, at 6’4” he’ll be an aerial threat on set pieces as Mourinho continues his preference to recruit tall players. Pogba, Bailly, Lukaku, Lindelof are also over six feet.
What impresses me most is his ability to use players as a decoy to open up the defence in the final third. His movement and use of space in the opposition half are brilliant. Although Matic lacks a bit of pace in the middle of the park, his technical ability always stands out.
While some United fans might prefer a younger player, such as Tottenham’s Eric Dier or Monaco’s Fabinho, there’s no question that Mourinho’s decision was based on having a player with a winning mentality and experience.
Having said that, let’s be clear about one thing: for £40 million the 29-year-old could represent a gamble. But I think it’s a risk worth taking.
Courtesy: Daily Express
Last season Mourinho complained about not having winners on his squad. “Playing to win, having the responsibility to win, and coping with the pressure of winning is something that has to belong to your natural habitat and for some guys it doesn’t,” he said.
Matic made no secret of his desire to join United after playing for Antonio Conte’s title-winning Chelsea squad. Matic’s commanding character and personality on the pitch fit the profile United is looking for. And Matic is no stranger to expectations that come with playing for a big club, like United.
Some Chelsea fans believe that Conte was right to offload Matic, while others question the logic in allowing him to leave. In my opinion, Matic is a loss to Chelsea, a gain for United–a perfect solution to United’s midfield problem.
