Matic ideal for United and Fellaini
Manchester United have completed their third signing this summer, with a three-year deal worth £40 million for Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic. The Serbian midfielder joins Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku as the new faces that Jose Mourinho and Old Trafford fans hope to help bring back the glory days once enjoyed during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. Mourinho has already stated the player is a perfect fit for the club, describing Matic as a team player; who has all the qualities that one should for in a footballer, which are loyalty, consistency and ambition.
Another true indicator and endorsement of this latest signing is reflected by bookmakers, and how they assess any club’s chances of success. So when one sees that most established bookmakers, like Sportingbet, have Manchester United 16/5, second favourite to win the Premier League title; then one would have to agree that United’s signings so far, makes sense to those most involved in the game.
Nemanja will be expected to be one of the main players in midfield for United, and this has led to football pundits and fans expecting Fellaini to make room for the new signing. Rumours have already started to make the rounds that, ultimately, this will push the Belgian international into the open arms of Galatasaray. However, if one is to believe Jose’s comments, Marouane will stay and be part of a formidable midfield that will finally have the versatility to deal with every type of scenario posed by the opposition.
Matic does look like the perfect midfielder that Manchester United have been lacking for some time now. Since his return to England, the Serbian has made more tackles and interceptions than any other player in the English Premier League; which is some feat considering prolific performances from the likes of Kante and Herrera. Manchester United’s latest signing revels in providing solid protection for his back four; and he also has the ability to distribute the ball and pass out from the back.
It is quite obvious the immediate advantages this type of player brings Mourinho’s team. Players like Paul Pogba will now have the freedom to focus less on defence and more about what he is best at; which is making inroads into opposition’s half and driving at defenders. Furthermore, Matic looks like the perfect replacement for Carrick, who most likely knows this coming season will be his last at Old Trafford.
In addition to this, and probably more importantly, Nemanja Matic gives Mourinho viable options in midfield; whether it maybe a two man or three man midfield set up. Looking at the Serbian’s game, he definitely has a bit of Herrera and Carrick. Matic is a stronger version of Herrera and can also dictate the game like Carrick, but just has the legs to do it for a longer period of time and for more games.
One must stress that these options and the ability of Jose to change up tactics before and during any game is only possible by having all five players, Matic, Carrick, Pogba, Herrera and Fellaini, in the squad. Ultimately, in the long run, if these signings settle in well with the existing squad; it should usher in the exciting aggressive play the Red Devils fans are longing for, and hopefully a few goals as well!
