Three reasons why Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic is exactly what Manchester United need

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Manchester United are nearing a deal with a Chelsea to bring midfielder Nemanja Magic to Old Trafford, according to ESPN.

If true, it will see a reunion between the Serbian international and Jose Mourinho after he brought him back to west London having been sold to Benfica.

The news comes after Matic was hugely influential as a key first team player for Antonio Conte as Chelsea romped to the Premier League title in 2016/17, shrugging off the challenge of rivals like United in the process. However, the likely arrival of Tiemoue Bakayoko could see Matic lose his place as a regular starter and with just one year left on his current contract, Chelsea may look to cash in while they can.

Here are three reasons why he would be a great signing for United…

He’s a player Jose Mourinho knows and trusts 

In his first season at Old Trafford, one of the biggest issues for Jose Mourinho has been identifying which players he can count on. The likes of Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney have all suffered, but now Mourinho will be keen to have a squad of players he knows well and trusts.

Matic made 90 appearances under Mourinho during their time together at Chelsea and became his crucial midfield enforcer. Mourinho displayed trust in Matic then, handing responsibility to his midfielder, and he will want that at Old Trafford too.

With few other proven Premier League players available in the same mould as Matic, he is a reliable addition to the United squad.

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Matic will add a goal threat from deep

While Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, the regular midfield duo in 2016/17, registered six goals and 11 assists in 97 games between them, Matic scored twice and recorded nine assists in just 40 games.

Matic is more than capable of releasing a thunderbolt from distance, as Tottenham found out in the FA Cup semi-final. That’s a skill which is sorely lacking in the United midfield, leaving them forced to try to penetrate and break down lesser sides who came to Old Trafford content to play for a draw.

This season has also shown the 28-year-old to be a creative force. His vision and passing from deep was crucial to kick start moves from as soon as possession was won and start moves on the counter-attack; something bound to appeal to Mourinho.

He’s got experience at the very top of the Premier League

With two Premier League winners’ medals from the past three seasons, Nemanja Matic knows exactly what it takes to win the trophy that United fans desperately crave.

Whilst that is not something lacking in the stands and amongst the staff at Old Trafford, it is missing in midfield. The likes of Andre Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba have all joined since the Sir Alex Ferguson era came to an end and with Michael Carrick’s role ever decreasing, the experienced head of Matic will be more than welcome.

Whilst Herrera has been impressive this season, he would be allowed more freedom to roam forward with an experienced player like Matic alongside him. With Marouane Fellaini, it’s not an option, partly in terms of experience and partly in terms of quality.

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