Chelsea Midfielder Keen To Reunite With Former Manager
Reuters / Peter Nicholls
Nemanja Matic is keen on a move to Manchester United in the summer, according to reports.
Manchester Evening News have claimed that the Serbian has discussed the possibility of reuniting with Jose Mourinho again, and is ready and willing to make a switch to Old Trafford in the summer. The report suggests that all that remains is for United and Chelsea to agree a fee for the transfer of the midfielder.
Matic has been linked to United on several occasions in the past. David Moyes had eyes on the midfielder at the start of his short tenure at the Theatre of Dreams, but stalled, and Mourinho re-signed him for Chelsea from Benfica.
United were understood to have been keen on signing him twelve months ago, back when Mourinho first arrived at the club, but Antonio Conte was hesitant and refused to let the Serb leave Stamford Bridge.
The 28-year-old went on to have a fantastic season with the Blues, helping them win the Premier League as well as reach the FA Cup final. He started 30 of the London club’s 38 games in the league, and played a critical role in his club’s success alongside Player of the Year N’Golo Kante.
However, Conte looks set to bring in reinforcements in the summer, and with Kante set to be favoured as the main pivot of the Italian manager’s midfield, it could bring an end to Matic’s second spell at Chelsea.
Mourinho, on the other hand, let Morgan Schneiderlin leave to Everton in the winter transfer window, and Bastian Schweinsteiger was also allowed to depart to MLS club Chicago Fire.
This left the 55-year-old Portuguese desperately short of options in midfield, with fatigue and suspensions giving him a massive selection headache towards the end of the season. It saw Axel Tuanzebe, Josh Harrop and Scott McTominay all make their debuts for the Old Trafford club.
With Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the Champions League now back on the calendar, Mourinho will be keen to bolster his options, and Matic appears to be his main target.
The former Benfica star would also be the ideal choice, as his strength and positional awareness will be key in giving Paul Pogba the freedom to push further up the pitch – just as he did when Mourinho played him alongside Cesc Fabregas.
United are also keen on signing Eric Dier from Tottenham, but M.E.N. say Matic is thought to be a more attainable target.
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