Nemanja Matic says Man Utd target is an ‘immense talent’, backs him to ‘reach the highest level’

Add as preferred source on Google

The list of players Manchester United have been linked with already ahead of this summer is substantial and includes a teammate of Nemanja Matic.

This week will see Manchester United continue the path to Bilbao and the Europa League final, which stands as the only chance of success this season for a sorry 13th placed Red Devils side.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
12	BrentfordBrentford	31	12	6	13	51	47	4	42
13	Man UtdManchester United	31	10	8	13	37	41	-4	38
14	TottenhamTottenham	31	11	4	16	58	45	13	37

There is pressure on Ruben Amorim to win the Europa League this season, with financial incentives of Champions League qualification surely on Ineos‘ mind.

United are set for a quarter-final clash with Lyon this week, in which Amorim’s side are the favourites to progress to a semi-final. However, it will see United face off with former midfielder Nemanja Matic.

Back in the Jose Mourinho era, United paid £40m to sign Matic from Chelsea, and while he was a solid signing, Lyon got him for just £2m last year.

Now, Matic has been speaking ahead of the game and, in doing so, discussed one United target currently on fire for Lyon.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Nemanja Matic full of praise for Rayan Cherki

Matic was a brilliant midfielder and he would likely still play a role for United even today. However, instead, he could be about to cause United big problems with his defensive qualities in midfield.

Speaking to the Lyon club website ahead of Thursday, Matic has shared his thoughts on one of his teammates, an attacker United are looking into this summer, Rayan Cherki.

“Rayan is a fantastic player. He has immense talent, but I can’t even call him ‘talent’ anymore because he’s now a proven first-team player.

“He plays regularly, he’s an incredible player, and if he keeps working hard, he’ll reach the highest level. But the most important thing is to stay focused, even when he challenges me in the gym or in certain games, because I always win!

“He still has to adapt a little… but he’ll improve, that’s for sure.”

Cherki is an ultra talented player and it is no shock to see his name being linked with a move to Old Trafford.

• READ MORE: Who are INEOS? Exploring Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s billion-pound business

Rayan Cherki is destined to be an elite attacker

United have wanted Cherki since he was 15 as he was once a youngster tipped as having the world at his feet, a future world beater.

The Frenchman never quite lived up to these expectations, with off-field issues cited as being one major reason behind this. But this summer, United are among the clubs reconsidering Cherki and could very well give him the chance to play at the highest level.

Cherki could cost just £25m, and United are thought to be well-placed in the race for his signature after a season with nine goals and 18 assists to date.

Signing Cherki would be brilliant for United as it is relatively low risk, while he is similar to the likes of Cole Palmer in his style and potential.

This is exactly the kind of move Ineos should be doing and it will be exciting to see if it can all work out.