Matic warns his ruthless United they

NEMANJA MATIC’S two Premier League winners’ medals suggest he is a voice worth listening to when it comes to lasting the pace in the title race.

So Manchester United’s players would be wise to listen up when he suggests it is only going to get harder from now.

Matic was part of United manager Jose Mourinho’s titlewinning side at Chelsea three seasons ago, then played a part for Antonio Conte as they regained the trophy in May.

Subsequently deemed surplus at Stamford Bridge, the midfielder has proved an inspired signing for a United

MANCHESTER UNITED

combat it. “We cannot be relaxed for the future because we have to win more and focus,” said Matic. “The teams now know how we play, they know our formation, our players and, of course, in the future those will want to show they can play against Manchester United.

“We will be focused. We will be ready for that. It is going to be hard but that’s why we’re here.”

Juan Mata, making his 200th Premier League appearance, swept in Marcus Rashford’s cutback after three minutes and, although Palace had the odd moment of promise after that, United never looked back. Marouane Fellaini, reborn under Mourinho, scored either side of half-time, before Romelu Lukaku tapped in an 11th goal in 10 United appearances.

While Lukaku has taken on Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s mantle as United’s chief scorer, others are sharing the burden. Mata, right, was the 10th player to score for Mourinho’s team in a season that is not yet two months old.

“We are being more efficient in front of goal,” said Mata. “It’s just down to confidence. Maybe it’s true that last season Zlatan was scoring almost every game. We tried to help with some goals