Man United have to 'be careful' with Nemanja Matic says pundit
For a long time now, Manchester United’s midfield dilemma has been the source of much debate. But it’s now apparent that Nemanja Matic is best-suited to the defensive midfield role, with the Serbia international rejuvenated under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Whisper it quietly, he may even be the club’s own version of Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets.
Manchester United looked likely to sell Matic in the January transfer window, with the Serbia international way down in Solskjaer’s pecking order at the time.
Despite Paul Pogba being sidelined, the veteran was struggling to get into the side. A parting of the ways looked likely.
Matic was out of favour with Scott McTominay and Fred both being selected ahead of him. When Bruno Fernandes joined, more minutes on the bench appeared to be in the offing.
But, slowly but surely, the 31-year-old has played his way back into form.
And now, with Fernandes and Pogba playing ahead of him, Matic looks back to the player who won two Premier League titles while at Chelsea.
Against Brighton, Fernandes was the star of the show.
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The Portugal international bagged a brace after Mason Greenwood had opened the scoring at the Amex, taking his tally to five in the Premier League since his January arrival.
But Matic was just as vital. The Serbia international ran the show, going about his defensive duties with diligence and providing the defensive foundations for Fernandes and Pogba to shine.
Sky Sports pundit and former United star Patrice Evra was particularly impressed. Speaking after the final whistle, he said: "We talk about Bruno and Paul Pogba, but what about Matic?
“For me, he was the Man of the Match."
Matic also showed how much he’s evolving as an offensive player, too. His raking pass played a vital role in Fernandes scoring United’s third goal of the night.
And, for the time being, comparisons with Busquets are justified.
For over a decade the Barcelona star has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet, shining as the Catalan giants have dominated La Liga.
In his pomp he was undroppable, doing the dirty work in the middle of the park so the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi could flourish.
Even now, as he approaches the twilight years of his career, Busquets remains a crucial cog in the Barcelona machine.
They signed Frenkie de Jong in the hope they’d be able to phase Busquets out but the Netherlands international’s performances this season have left much to be desired.
And United may have their own Busquets in Matic. He won’t score many goals but, instead, will put in the graft so that others do.