Jose’s plan to Fell Burnley worked a treat, says Matic

NEMANJA Matic has explained how Jose Mourinho’s plan to bring Marouane Fellaini in to the team helped United beat Burnley.

Mourinho handed Fellaini his first start of the season and it was a decision that paid off massively for the United boss as the Belgian had an excellent game at the base of midfield.

Following the game Matic told reporters how Mourinho’s pre-match decision influenced the game and why they’re still in with a chance of winning the league.

“He was very confident before the game, he prepared the game in a very good way,” Matic said when asked what Mourinho’s pre-game message was.

“We knew where they could cause us problems with long balls, that is why Fellaini played close to our defence – to stop the long balls – and I think this performance shows how we need to play football, and we can still compete for the title.”

The midfielder, who started his second game of the season against Burnley, also spoke about catching current league leaders Liverpool who are unbeaten after four games.

“Of course, but they also have to win all games, and I think that’s impossible,” Matic added.

“Someone needs to lose to drop points and it’s still too early to say something. We will see in March where we are because in March you can see who is fighting for the title, who is not, who is fighting to be in the top four. It is still too early.”

After Mourinho missed out on his desired transfer targets this summer there has been plenty of speculation and reports about the United manager’s mood, especially after he left his post-Spurs press conference.

But Matic believes the Portuguese is coping well with the pressure he is under with United having already lost two league games this season.

The Serbian was asked if he had seen any difference in Mourinho this season: “I think he is dealing very well with the pressure.

“That is why he is here in Manchester United. I don’t see any difference.”