Sridhar Bhamidi
The Sun reports that Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic is ready to force a move as he gets desperate to join Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. The player has reportedly told the club of his desire and is waiting to get the formalities done.
Ever since Mourinho took the helms at Old Trafford, Matic was linked to join him at United. Partly because of the relationship between the two and partly because of United’s need to strengthen their midfield options. A win-win for both parties!
However, Chelsea were not willing to let Matic go before signing a replacement. This week could finally see AS Monaco enforcer Tiemoue Bakayoko make the switch to Chelsea which could see momentum in Matic’s transfer.
The 28-year-old is valued at £40 million by Chelsea who want to make United pay every penny of it. Thanks to the heart burn at the capture of Lukaku from Everton, Chelsea and United are no longer talking transfers.
But the view at Old Trafford is that the rage will soon die down and sanity will prevail as the Blues get ready to the prospect of losing Matic. The player too is ready to force the move as seen by his training away from the first team squad.
Whatever may be the official reason given for this by Chelsea, it is almost certain that Matic will not join his teammates for the pre-season preparation.
The question that comes to mind is if is Matic worth the money. The 2015-16 season has not been his best but last year saw him get back to his usual best featuring 36 times for the Blues.
He is now deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea thanks to the arrival of Bakayoko. There is apprehension on his ability to churn out more successful seasons but the Serbian midfield may just be the player for United.
The Red Devils need a midfield marshal and Matic provides solidity which will perfectly complement Paul Pogba. All this means that signing Matic could prove to be very shrewd and the need-of-the-hour for United.
