It looked nailed on for Nemanja Matic to leave Manchester United in January. He had only started twice for the club in the league until the end of December. However, Matic stayed at United and ended up bringing in defensive improvements for the side in the second half of the season.
It seemed like Matic was going to link up with José Mourinho after previously working with him at United and Chelsea. Matic himself even liked an Instagram comment criticising Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for not picking the midfielder more often.
Nemanja Matic Key to Manchester United’s Defensive Improvements
Injury Crisis at United
The Serbian seemed to be very low in the pecking order in United’s midfield at the beginning of the season. Solskjaer wanted younger more mobile midfielders in his team.
However, after a 2-0 win at Burnley in December, Scott McTominay picked up a knee injury which had kept him out until last Sunday against Watford, where he played from the bench. In addition, Paul Pogba could not get back to fitness.
Matic Still Not First Choice
Matic seemed to have Andreas Pereira in front of him and many thought Solskjaer would also involve youngster James Garner more due to McTominay’s injury.
United have only won three games (twice versus Partizan Belgrade and against Tranmere Rovers) out of 11 this season when Andreas has been used in a deeper midfield role.
Yet after the first leg of the EFL Cup Semi-Final against Manchester City, it was clear Matic needed to start. United were lucky to be only 3-0 down after the first half where Pereira was playing alongside Fred. He was caught in possession multiple times and ended up scoring in the wrong net to make it 3-0 to City.
After the introduction of Matic in midfield at half time, United did not concede. They also looked more assured in the middle of the park.
Defensive Improvements
During the period from late October to mid-December, when Matic had an ‘unknown injury’, Manchester United failed to keep a single clean sheet in the league. In fact, they have only managed to keep two clean sheets in the Premier League without Matic in the midfield. While keeping five when he has started – impressive considering he has only started nine times this campaign.
The Serbian also started in eight of the 10 games in which the Red Devils have kept clean sheets outside of the league and played a full 90 minutes in six of them.
Matic has clearly helped United defensively in the latter stages of this season and has been a consistent starter since late December. He has only missed one game in the Premier League and that was due to suspension.
Next Season For Matic?
Matic’s contract is up at the end of the season. Before December it would have been a simple decision to let him go.
United have bigger liabilities that need to be moved on, like Pereira and Jesse Lingard. Yet with Paul Pogba seeming likely to leave as well, the midfield will be even lighter than in its current state.
Matic has shown he can be a reliable squad player and a solid performer if he needs to come in. It would be a smart move for United to try and tempt Matic into a further one-year deal.
It is likely that Matic could look to leave to get consistent game time though, as he is in the twilight years of his career.
Main Photo:
