Earlier today midfielder Nemanja Matic put pen to paper and signed a new three-year deal at Manchester United. The 31-year-old Serbia international has been at Old Trafford since 2017 and is now set to remain with the Red Devils for at least a further three.
The central midfielder is proud to be a part of United’s future and has his eyes set on finishing the current season fighting to get the club as high as possible in the Premier League.
Nemanja Matic Proud to be a Part of Manchester United’s Future
Nemanja Matic Earned Solskjaer’s Trust
At the turn of the year, it appeared that Nemanja Matic would be on his way out of the Theatre of Dreams. However, instead of giving up, the midfielder patiently waited for his chance to impress the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and gain his trust.
Once he gained a place in the first-team, a string of impressive performances coupled with his professional attitude earned him the trust of Solskjaer. His manager now had the confidence in him to play him. More importantly, he can trust him to do a job on the pitch.
Soldier Awaits his Orders
Speaking to Sky Sports prior to signing his new contract, Matic said: “I’ve played football for a long time already and this situation is normal, sometimes you don’t play and the coach doesn’t see you as a first option. You can accept it or not but you have to be professional.
“You have to work hard, wait for your chance and use it. This is exactly what I did.
“Now the situation is different, the coach trusts me more. I’m a soldier and I wait for the instructions from my coaching team.”
Ole Delighted
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was understandably delighted to have an important first-team midfielder commit to the club. The Red Devils legend has plans on bringing the glory years back to Old Trafford. He sees Matic as a part of those plans.
Speaking after Matic signed his contract, Solskjaer said: “I am delighted that Nemanja has signed a new contract, I know his experience, professionalism and leadership will be invaluable to this young talented group. We have great strength in midfield and Nemanja’s attributes are a key part of that.
“Nemanja has been here for three seasons now and really understands the values of playing for Manchester United. He remains hugely ambitious and determined which will be vital as we look to achieve our aims over the coming years.”
Forgotten Man to Main Man
A Premier League winner at Chelsea, Nemanja Matic was in danger of becoming forgotten and let go by Manchester United. There were doubts if the Serb could fit into the way Solskjaer wanted his side to play. However, the experienced midfielder got his head down and left his manager with little choice but to play him.
Matic’s ability as a defensive midfielder has been key to United’s upturn in form. Sitting in front of the defence, he allows the likes of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes to thrive further up the field. Matic has started 17 of the last 24 games, missing matches only due to suspension or being rested for cup games.
Nemanja Matic may not be every United fan’s favourite. However, he will quietly and effectively get on with the job he has been told to do by his boss. This soldier is proof that if you work hard you can get the results you want.
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