Manchester United FC veteran Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic signs contract extension, which will keep him at the club till 2023. The holding midfielder has revitalized his career and the fortunes of the Red Devils with stellar performances in all competitions. Matic has been instrumental in United’s unbeaten streak and is the key to Bruno’s and Pogba’s freedom on the pitch.
The Serb joined Manchester United from Chelsea in 2007, under manager Jose Mourinho, who has a special liking for Matic. Jose also used Matic at his time in Chelsea and won the Premier League with Matic at the heart of the midfield. The tall and lanky defensive midfielder is a great ball-winner and keeps the game ticking from the deep.
Matic didn’t enjoy the previous season as he was deemed to be slow, with rumours pointing towards his exit. But, this season the midfielder has bounced back and has earned the starting spot in the centre of the park. His positional play, defensive awareness, aerial prowess and tackling ability make him a perfect partner for the likes of Pogba and Fernandes.
Matic didn’t feature in the first half of the season because of his injuries and lack of pace. But he was given a chance by Solskjaer when Scott Mctominay was injured, and Matic obliged with both arms. Matic has taken the onus on himself to revamp his career at United and has made the defensive midfield spot his own.
Matic has successfully screened the back-four and is one of the main reasons why United have had so many clean sheets. He sits in front of the centre-backs and allows Pogba to venture further up the pitch and link up with Fernandes. Matic’s performances this season have brought him back amongst the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League and the world.
Solskjaer has praised Matic on his performances and the board has him with a contract keeping him at Old Trafford till 2023. Matic’s age is not on his side though, as he will be 32-years old next month. With his contract taking him to 35 years, let’s see how long he can continue at the top level for United.
