Jonathan Shrager is reporting that Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic is set to bring an end to his five-year sting at the club this summer. The 33-year-old has been in and out of the first team this season, averaging just around 50 minutes per appearance.
Nemanja Matic Leaving Manchester United This Summer
A Jose Reunion
Nemanja Matic was signed by Manchester United in the summer of 2017 from Premier League rivals Chelsea with a reported £40 million transfer tag. This move saw him reunite with Jose Mourinho, who had made great use of Matic’s skills at Stamford Bridge by pairing him with Cesc Fabregas as sitting midfielders. Once again, it was his defensive prowess that made Matic a regular fixture in the United team long after Mourinho moved on from the team.
Out of Favour
While Matic’s defensive abilities relied largely on footballing IQ, he is now 33-years old and with the defensive midfield role being phased out, or completely changed, by many teams he has been in and out of the Manchester United first team for the entire season so far. He is generally on the bench at the very least but he has been left on the bench on a number of occasions throughout the year. With the writing on the wall and a new manager reportedly on the way, the club now feels its time for Nemanja Matic’s tenure at Manchester United to come to an end.
It was reported in 2020 that Matic signed a three-year deal with United so his move this summer is likely a mutual decision between club and player. Incoming manager Erik ten Hag doesn’t see the Serbian factoring into his plans and the club may be making way for the players that the imminent arrival wants. United will likely take a lower fee to offload the midfielder who may take a step down to a less physical league for his next move.
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