Krishnan Sreekumar
Outgoing Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic provides update on his future beyond the summer
Speaking to K1 Televizija (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has provided an update on his future beyond the summer, after he had earlier announced that he was departing the club at the end of the season.
The Serbian joined the Old Trafford outfit in 2017 from Chelsea, re-uniting once again with former Blues manager Jose Mourinho in Manchester. Although the Portuguese coach would depart a year later, Matic continued to stick around.
Although he has already announced his exit from the club, the midfielder did not reveal where his next destination would be. However, he said that he had options that were still open to choose from, and was certain that this would be his last season at United.
“The options are still open. But what is certain is that this is my last season at United and I want to finish it in the best possible way.”
After racking up an incredible trophy haul at Stamford Bridge, Matic arrived in Manchester hoping to continue the same. However, he has been unable to pick up any more titles and could only reach the finals of the FA Cup and Europa League.
“We have another game on May 22”
The 33-year-old had earlier signed a new contract in 2020, which would see him stay at the club for a minimum of two years, with the option of an additional year. However, the Serbian has opted to leave at the end of the current campaign, rather than having his extension triggered.
The former Benfica star said that he would only make a decision on where he would continue his career after United’s last fixture of the Premier League season on May 22. The Manchester side is due to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
“We have another game on May 22, and after that I will make a decision where I will continue my career.”
Matic’s exit from the club would result in the squad losing their only defensive midfield player, leaving a vacancy at the Theatre of Dreams. Fred and Scott McTominay have tried their hand at playing in his role, but have not overly convinced in the position.
Perhaps the return of James Garner from his loan at Nottingham Forest in the summer could change that. The Englishman is highly rated within the club and has been touted to be an important player in the future. His flattering performances for Forest have only increased his stock this term.
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Matic has been a great servant for the Red Devils in midfield, using his experience and talent to provide some solidity to the team in the middle of the pitch. Although his age has slowly started creeping into his legs, he has still remained largely effective for the side.
He will be missed when he departs in the summer, and United will need to find a suitable replacement for him as soon as possible. Erik ten Hag will be arriving to take over as the club’s new permanent manager, and only time will tell who the Dutchman will bring in to reinforce the midfield.
