MANCHESTER UNITED’S INTEREST in Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic makes sense to Gary Neville, with Jose Mourinho in need of another holding option.
The Red Devils have offered a 12-month contract extension to Michael Carrick in that area of the field, and made him club captain in the wake of Wayne Rooney’s departure.
They also saw Ander Herrera shine in a defensive midfield post last season, earning him the club’s Player of the Year award.
Neville is, however, of the opinion that United need more cover and feels Matic, as a proven Premier League performer, would tick all of the boxes.
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The former full-back told Sky Sports: “Michael Carrick has obviously got one more year but he can’t play every single week so they do need to have that player who can come in and do the same job
“And Nemanja Matic would be able to do that. So I think United do need a holding midfield player.
“Morgan Schneiderlin was let go earlier in the season and Bastian Schweinsteiger didn’t get a game.
“So you’re talking about there needing to be a replacement for them and ultimately Matic would fit the bill.”
Matic helped Chelsea to the Premier League title in 2016-17, the second time he has claimed that particular trophy since being brought back to England by Mourinho in January 2014.
The 28-year-old impressed alongside N’Golo Kante, with Cesc Fabregas providing a further option, and Neville is surprised to see Antonio Conte considering a sale.
He added: “It’s a strange one for Chelsea to let him go because I thought he was really good for them with Kante.
“I think they need to strengthen, so I’m not sure why they’re letting him and they must have a replacement.”
Chelsea have been heavily linked with Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko, with that interest sparking the Matic to United talk.
The Red Devils are also said to be considering the Frenchman, though, along with Tottenham’s England international Eric Dier.
'Matic fits the bill for Man Utd' - Neville feels Chelsea midfielder would be a shrewd addition
MANCHESTER UNITED’S INTEREST in Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic makes sense to Gary Neville, with Jose Mourinho in need of another holding option.
The Red Devils have offered a 12-month contract extension to Michael Carrick in that area of the field, and made him club captain in the wake of Wayne Rooney’s departure.
They also saw Ander Herrera shine in a defensive midfield post last season, earning him the club’s Player of the Year award.
Neville is, however, of the opinion that United need more cover and feels Matic, as a proven Premier League performer, would tick all of the boxes.
The former full-back told Sky Sports: “Michael Carrick has obviously got one more year but he can’t play every single week so they do need to have that player who can come in and do the same job
“And Nemanja Matic would be able to do that. So I think United do need a holding midfield player.
“Morgan Schneiderlin was let go earlier in the season and Bastian Schweinsteiger didn’t get a game.
“So you’re talking about there needing to be a replacement for them and ultimately Matic would fit the bill.”
Matic helped Chelsea to the Premier League title in 2016-17, the second time he has claimed that particular trophy since being brought back to England by Mourinho in January 2014.
The 28-year-old impressed alongside N’Golo Kante, with Cesc Fabregas providing a further option, and Neville is surprised to see Antonio Conte considering a sale.
He added: “It’s a strange one for Chelsea to let him go because I thought he was really good for them with Kante.
“I think they need to strengthen, so I’m not sure why they’re letting him and they must have a replacement.”
Chelsea have been heavily linked with Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko, with that interest sparking the Matic to United talk.
The Red Devils are also said to be considering the Frenchman, though, along with Tottenham’s England international Eric Dier.
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Gary Neville HOLDING HIS OWN Man Utd Nemanja Matic