Nemanja Matic has been linked with a transfer to Manchester United from Benfica
The Guardian has linked Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic with a move to Manchester United from Benfica to strengthen the midfield. For a number of years, many reds have longed for a top class centre midfielder, even more so after 39 year old Ryan Giggs was chosen to pair with Michael Carrick in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City last Monday. Matic has recently signed a new five year deal, so will come at a price, but according to the report – United’s scouts have been impressed with the Serbian international who has notched up five goals so far this term. The 25 year old has featured five times for his country.
Although I’ve checked the odds on Unibet for Matic coming to United in the summer, but I just can’t see myself betting online on it. However, stranger things have happened such as Cantona’s transfer from Leeds and van Persie’s transfer from Arsenal! Matic has Premier League experience, making two appearances for Chelsea between 2009-2011. He eventually left Stamford Bridge to make way for David Luiz in a £25.5million move from the two times European Cup winners. Alan Pardew recently spoke highly of Matic following Newcastle United’s Europa League exit to Benfica:
“The way they kept the ball was fantastic, but Matic in particular. The way he has grown since he has gone away from Chelsea … he’s a terrific player for them.”
Manchester United’s current crop of central midfielders certainly could do with some bolstering. Anderson is now 25 and has disappointed since his extremely promising debut season back in 2007/08. With the Brazilian, you’re always waiting for something a little more. However, ill-discipline, injuries and loss of form have seriously hindered his progress over the years and Sir Alex Ferguson may look to offload the player this summer.
Michael Carrick has been exceptional this season, dominating games from midfield and dictating play. His vision, both offensively with through balls and defensively with his interceptions are second to none in the Premier League. Carrick’s most regular midfield partner this season has been Tom Cleverley, who has had a decent campaign. The former Watford loanee has really broken through this season and his competitive style of play and closing down hurries the opposition and he can also deliver a good ball from wide areas as well.
Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes continue to defy football logic, but it must be said that injuries and age are really looking like they are catching up with the legendary pair. Bryan Robson voiced fears that Scholes could be set to retire at the end of the season. He was the best midfielder in Europe at the turn of century, some 13 years ago – but even a player who was never been blessed with pace needs to be able to shift through the gears in midfield, and sadly his exquisite vision can’t get him by these days.
Ryan Giggs can play into his forties according to legendary captain Robson, however should United’s most successful player be starting in a midfield two against second placed City, who always play with three in the centre? United relinquished possession time and time again on Monday, which gave the visitors more confidence following quite an even first half.
Darren Fletcher’s future is uncertain and Nick Powell is still too young. So do you think Sir Alex Ferguson needs to bolster the midfield? What have you made of Matic’s performances this season?
I my self i stisfy luka modric or thiago alcantara both they’re fantastic players instead any another players like Nemajic matic or cabaye
Matic is an extraordinary player, you can´t even compare him to thiago or modric, they are playmakers matic is a defensive midfielder. He is a monster that is on one of the best european teams and he controls the midfield. Watch him play instead of saying other players are better just because of their names