Nemanja Matic Has Made Decision To Leave In January

Amongst the more important pieces of business that a club is expected to fulfill in a transfer window is the removal of talent who are surplus to requirements. This ensures that unhappy players aren’t left on the bench while also easing the strain on the wage bill.

The advantage of doing so in the January window is that nearly half a season would have been there in evidence to try and see if a player is really required or not.

As of such, Manchester United can easily become a side who will be expected to remove those players whom fans have been repeatedly touting to be deadwood at the club.

Now, one such player is sought after by multiple clubs.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik (via SportsWitness), Nemanja Matic is now being pursued by Atletico Madrid for a January move.

In addition to the La Liga giants, past reports have also indicated that Turkish side Galatasaray were looking to secure the 31-year-old midfielder as well.

It is understood that Matic is eager for a departure and it is evident that there is not much that he can provide to the existing lineups preferred by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The rise of Scott McTominay, the steady improvement of Fred and now the return of Paul Pogba are all bound to further reduce any impact that the former Chelsea player could hope to make.

When he first arrived during Jose Mourinho’s tenure at the club, Matic’s tactical brilliance as a holding midfielder made a pivotal difference to the side.

However, since then Solskjaer’s more attack-minded approach and the Serb’s own aging legs has made it painfully obvious that his time at the Theatre of Dreams was drawing to a close.

Marcos Rojo is another player touted for an exit in January while some of United’s lesser-deployed academy graduates are also mulling over a possible departure.