Nemanja Matic looks set for a move to Manchester United this summer after confirming he wants to leave current club Chelsea to be re-united with former boss Jose Mourinho, according to The Sun.
Matic, who endured a torrid season at Stamford Bridge last campaign, was criticised heavily for being one of the biggest under performers in what was a dismal outing for the Boys in Blue.
There were claims to pair had fallen out with the Serbian being subbed off after coming off the bench in a 3-1 defeat to Southampton, however the midfielder was quick to defend the Portuguese following his sacking.
The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ has an alleged £200 million transfer kitty to splurge this summer, and it is understood the former Real Madrid manager has identified the stoic Serb as one of his top targets.
While the 27-year-old midfielder may have had a tough season, the previous outing he was voted in the PFA Team of the Year and was highly praised for his commanding midfield performances.
Considering all this, here’s how the Transfer Tavern weighs it up.
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE 2 PROS AND 2 CONS TO MOURINHO SIGNING MATIC
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Pro 1: Familiarity
One of United’s problems over the past few seasons is that they have made plenty of big money signings, but with little to none of them having genuine Premier League experience.
And it showed.
Angel Di Maria, Marcus Rojo, Radamel Falcao and Memphis Depay are just a few of those names who have or had struggled to adapt to the Premier League.
United’s most successful signing of the past years – besides Anthony Martial – has arguably been Juan Mata, who they also signed from the Blues back in January 2014. Matic also has plenty of experience under his belt so the transition would be seamless.
Con 1: Out of Form
As mentioned, Matic has had 2 seasons at Chelsea during his second tenure at the club, and they have been the polar opposite. One being fantastic, the other underwhelming.
While it was certainly a difficult time in West London last season, that cannot be to blame for the Serbian’s poor form, especially as he failed to improve under Guus Hiddink as many of the other players had done.
Should the Red Devils lure him to the Theatre of Dreams, they would be bringing an out-of-sorts and out-of-form player who may need some time to get back to his best.
Pro 2: What United Need
The club undoubtedly need to strengthen in all areas of the pitch, however something they have lacked since the days of Scholes and Giggs is a strong midfield.
In a midfield consisting of hapless Marouane Fellaini, an underperforming Ander Herrera and an ageing Michael Carrick, there is certainly room to improve.
Matic may just shine given the opportunity to do so. Big, strong, good with the ball and great at breaking play up, the Red Devils have lacked a player of his bruising ability for a long time.
Con 2: Relationship with Mourinho
Despite jumping to his defence after the Portuguese sacking, there is no hiding the Serbian had a strained relationship with the controversial manager.
Mourinho heavily criticised Matic for taking ‘too many touches to control the ball’ following a Champions League defeat to Porto, and publicly humiliated him hauling him off after only 27 minutes in the 3-1 loss to Southampton stating.
Matic may want to prove a point to Jose, but who is to say the same won’t happen again?
