Nemanja Matic’s performances under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer have largely flown under the radar.
Seen as a trusted lieutenant of former boss Jose Mourinho, Matic was expected to be one of the early casualties of the change in management.
Credit to Matic, he is playing as well as he ever has done in a United shirt.
Solskjaer picked him from the start of his interim reign and he has been a key part of the team’s success.
Matic has helped provide the platform for the team’s attacking football, and he has contributed to it too.
His occasional long range passes have helped propel the attack forward, and he even popped up with a rare goal in the win over Huddersfield at Old Trafford.
Against Brighton at the weekend he stood out, making more touches than any player on the pitch.
🇷🇸 Credit where it’s due. Nemanja Matic has been outstanding lately. Vs Brighton:
📈113 Touches
📊91% Pass Completion Rate
🔑2 Chances Created
⚽️4 Aerial duels won
⛔️3 Tackles won
🚫3 Clearances
Like a £40m player #mufc
— United In Focus (@UnitedInFocus) January 20, 2019
Signed for £40 million by United from Chelsea in 2017, his early season performances last year made a mockery of that price tag.
Now he is living up to it and is part of an impressive three man midfield alongside Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera.
Matic is proving his doubters wrong. At 30, he may not be the long term solution. Right now, he is doing everything he needs to be.
The team’s current form might turn out to be enough to help us get into the top four and even progress in the Champions League.
Here is a look at some of the fan reaction to Matic’s latest performance…
Dear Nemanja Matic,
On behalf of all the fans that slated you ( including myself ) I would like to sincerely apologise. It’s now become very much apparent that your talents were being forcefully held back by he who shall not be named ( it’s Jose though ) ever again. #MUFC
— CLOUT #MUFC (@ManUProblems1) January 19, 2019
I’m seeing Matic go past players like Iniesta and send balls like Pirlo. I don’t understand it #mufc
— Tayo (@TayoMadeYouLook) January 19, 2019
Matic has been EXCELLENT! His passing has been very good all game #mufc
— Daniaal Hussain (@Daniaal_7) January 19, 2019
Nemanja Matic is like a new man since OGS came in! I’ve criticised him a lot since half way through last season, thought he’d been very poor but lately he’s excellent #MUFC
— Colm Daly (@ColmD1987) January 19, 2019
I really enjoyed watching Nemanja Matic yesterday. He is a completely different player these days. Bossed that midfield most of the game. #MUFC #MUNBHA
— KGLK Esq. (@KKambaEsq) January 20, 2019
So Matic can play football ey…
OLE look what you’ve done.#MUNBHA #Mufc
— Ole Gunnar Solsjkær (@SolskjaerSquad) January 19, 2019
Not seen much mention of Matic’s resurgence under Ole but its clear theres been one. Better with the ball, passing forward and defending well when necessary. Spot on 👌 #MUFC
— LoveablePumba (@haighypoo) January 19, 2019