EPL
Nemanja Matic: What’s wrong with the Serbian?
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho shocked the world last season when he surprisingly snatched Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic from Stamford Bridge.
None one saw it coming, not even ‘the special one’ who revealed to newsman how surprised he was when he was told the Blues were willing to part way with the Serbian.
The Red Devils didn’t just push Antonio Conte — former Chelsea boss — into selling the midfielder, they equally made the Blues release him at a ridiculous price of £47m.
After all the dramas and reactions to his unexpected switch to Old Trafford, the 29-year-old made his debut appearance for the Red Devils in which he performed wonderfully, much to the delight of the club’s faithful.
In his first season at Old Trafford, Matic’s displays at the centre of the pitch were great and lively.
He surely justified his price tag as he helped Mourinho’s men to a second-place finish by the end of last season.
He also played a great role in the team’s journey to an FA Cup final match against his former club Chelsea. Though he was lively against Chelsea during the final match, he couldn’t help his teammates avoid losing to Conte’s men.
All in all, Matic played 36 League matches for the Reds in his first season at Old Trafford. He scored just a goal, nonetheless, he was one of United’s best players through the campaign.
Matic’s unexpected woeful form
This season, so far, has been a very one to forget for the Serbian who looks a shadow of his usual self.
His hard-tackling abilities are not seen, his ability to aim at goal from a long distance has disappeared.
The Matic, who was known as midfield’s controller and game changer during the 2017-18 season, looks ordinary and someone without experience or enthusiasm to feature under Mourinho.
What could be the cause of his recent uninspiring form is a question that has been on the lips of many United supporters as they couldn’t imagine the player become such unimportant figure at Old Trafford.
After playing more than 40 matches in all competitions last season, it is expected that the player rests a lot so as to be in perfect shape ahead of this season.
However, that wasn’t the case as he headed straight to Serbia camp to prepare for the summer World Cup tournament that took place in Russia.
It is unavoidable, fatigue found its way into the player’s game and that has been one of the reasons for his recent woeful performances.
After the three matches of the season, it was obvious the Serbian needed to rest but Mourinho continually features him, hence, complicating matters for the midfielder.
Apart from Fatigue, Mourinho’s sudden change of tactics is equally having a say on Matic’s display.
Matic is adapted to a more defensive style of play which gives him room to snatch balls easily from oppositions.
With Mourinho’s recent switch to an attractive style of play doesn’t suit Matic’s ability and that has made him struggle so far this season.
Mourinho needs to give the player a very much deserved and highly needed rest.
With Fred, Pereira and Mata in the team, Matic should never be overused by the Portuguese manager if he must get the player back in form
