Nemanja Matic says United players are determined to bounce back

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Nemanja Matic says Manchester United’s players are determined to bounce back from defeat to Chelsea.

This was United’s first loss in 20 matches, and for it to occur in a FA Cup semi-final was not what we wanted.

Matic told MUTV after the game that the players spoke in the dressing room after the game about bouncing back immediately against West Ham.

The Serbian midfielder said: “Our focus is on West Ham. We have to win that game to be in the Champions League. From this moment we will focus on that.

“We already spoke in the changing room about that. In three days we have another challenge and we have to recover as quickly as possible.

“We have to analyse this game in our next meeting for sure but all our focus is on Wednesday. It’s very quick, our target is to be in the top four and we will do our best.”

Let determination override disappointment

Matic added that he was of course unhappy to miss out on winning a trophy.

He said: “We are disappointed of course. We wanted that final.”

But United have to let the emotion of determination to win the next game override the disappointment of losing this one. Otherwise there could be more defeats heading our way.

This is a huge week for United as the team look to secure a Champions League spot.

With two games remaining we are in a strong position, knowing we are in control of our own destiny.

Leicester’s loss to Tottenham today means United will only need a draw against the Foxes to get in, so long as we beat West Ham.

What role will Matic play?

Prior to lockdown, the idea of Matic starting three games in one week seemed impossible.

Yet such is United’s dependence on the veteran midfielder, that it is a consideration that he will start both matches against West Ham and Leicester, despite playing all 90 minutes at Wembley.

It just requires one last push, with United’s players then getting a short break until the Europa League resumes, and Matic won’t be selected to start the dead rubber against LASK anyway.

It is possible Scott McTominay comes back in against West Ham, having sat this game out. He will certainly be fresher.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be assessing Matic’s fitness ahead of the game. One option is to bring him off the bench if needed, like in the win over Crystal Palace.

Matic’s comments on the players talking among themselves about putting this right are good to hear.

This is no time for them to sit there feeling sorry for themselves. United have too much to lose.

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