How important is Matic to Manchester United?

40 million. That’s how much United paid Chelsea to acquire the services to Nemanja Matic. He might not score thunderous long shots like Pogba and nor does he have the ability to produce a pin point cross out of nowhere like Fabregas but what actually defines Matic is the solid, dependable, physical stability that he brings to the team.

He’s 6 feet 4 and has really long legs and can jump better than most of the other Manchester United players. So, what he does best, is to not try something new and end up eating the dirt like many show-off players do but he stays in his comfort zone and does what he’s good at. Stopping opponents from attacking his defense and he’s really good at that.

Matic has started every match for the Red Devils so far in this season and has proved to be a cunning piece of business by Jose Mourinho. So, just how important in Matic to Manchester United?

Ever since his arrival, Pogba seems to be relieved of his defensive duties and has focused mostly on moving high up the pitch and threaten his opponents and that is something that United had been lacking last season. Also, Matic is a major upgrade to Fellaini who almost always gets into trouble. Not only that, Matic is a better passer and tackler than Fellaini. He’s the ideal replacement for Carrick.

What Matic has brought to United’s midfield is stability. Something that they have been lacking for a long time. No more do the United’s attackers have to worry about receiving the ball at the right moment and no more does United’s defense have to worry of opponents attack for they know that Matic is there in front of them and that gives them those essential extra few seconds to take a breath, settle down and analyse the threat. Trust me, those extra seconds are really essential and that’s what Matic brings to the game.

United have not had such a defensive player for the past three or four seasons and that is one of the major reasons for them to have struggled but now out of six premier league matches so far in the campaign  Manchester United have won 5 and drew 1and Matic really did have a huge part to play in all the six games.

In each of Chelsea’s title winning campaign, Matic has been instrumental. Regardless of his partnership with Fabregas in the 2014-15 season or with Kante in the 2016-17 season, he was a key player for the blues. It was his presence in the midfield that allowed Fabregas to focus less on defence and provide a staggering 18 assists throughout the campaign and it was presence that helped Chelsea to go on a 13 game winning streak.

Though it’s a team game, the responsibility of each player is important and Matic can be that important player for United.