With teams already looking for plans to make signings, there is also a need to clear dead woods with – and one team looking to do that is Manchester United.
Manchester United handed Nemanja Matic a one-year contract extension at the club after a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the season, but could that guarantee him from avoiding the chop?
The Serbia international jumped onto the project at United in July 2017, after Jose Mourinho expressed his desire to work with him again.
His time at the club has been more of positives than the negatives despite a shortage of trophies at the Theatre of Dreams.
In the current campaign, the 31-year-old had started just three Premier League games before the turn of the year but became a vital part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the build up to the 11-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
As a defensive midfielder, Matic has been no short of performances on the pitch and has been regarded as the rock behind the team’s attack. His distribution of the ball and reading of the game is second to none at United, and his presence has reduced the burden midfield compatriot, Fred.
Since coming into the team during the festive period, Matic has stamped his authority on the game and has been the leader in discharging the defensive duties in the midfield, earning him a contract extension.
With Scott McTominay coming through the ranks, Matic’s new deal could see him stay at the club to help in the development of the youth graduate in the next few seasons.
While expecting to him to have such impact, the rumours of a the likely arrival of another midfielder could cause him to reconsider his decision, especially with Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey reported to be a target.
The 31-year-old stands tall should comparisons with the Ghanaian pop-up but the age difference would be a factor to consider with Solkjaer looking at a rebuild.
What would be your verdict of the Serbian’s three years at the club so far?
