United make move to extend Matic contract
MANCHESTER United have triggered the clause extending Nemanja Matic’s contract by a year — and are in talks about lengthening it further, it is understood.
The 31-year-old swapped Chelsea to rejoin Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford in 2017, signing a three-year deal with the option of an additional season.
United have moved to keep Matic at the club by invoking that clause, although an agreement could yet be reached to keep him even longer.
The Serbia international has scored four goals in 109 appearances for a club he looked likely to leave at the start of the season, with speculation surrounding his future rife indeed.
But Matic has kicked on since the turn of the year and impressed for United, playing 22 times in all competitions this term.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (right) has made no secret of his desire to keep the midfielder, who spoke about his intention to stay after the Premier League win against rivals Manchester City earlier in the month.
“We are in talks and if everything is okay then I have said to the club that I am happy to stay,” Matic said.
“They are also happy for me to sign a contract. Hopefully in the next week or two we will sign a contract.
“I’m positive, I want everyone to be happy and we will find the best way for all sides to be happy.”
Meanwhile, United scrapped plans to return to training yesterday due to the ever-evolving coronavirus crisis.
The domestic and European campaigns were suspended until further notice last Friday due to Covid-19, just a day after Solskjaer’s men beat LASK 5-0 in the Europa League in Austria.
Despite the season being up in the air, United had been due to return to training at Carrington yesterday morning.
But it is understood that players were informed on Monday night that training would not take place as planned as the club follows government advice.
The situation is being constantly reviewed, with all staff at both the Aon Training Complex and Old Trafford told to work from home where possible.
United’s players are working on individual training programmes at home during this period and have been asked to remain local.
Solskjaer’s side are on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions and are supposedly playing against at Brighton on April 4 when the Premier League resumes, but that date may well be revised in the future.