Matic relaxed over future as deal runs down
NEMANJA Matic has told United chiefs they know where to find him if they want to extend his Old Trafford stay.
The 31-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this season, although the Reds do have the option to trigger a one-year extension.
Matic has enjoyed a renaissance in the side of late, starting 10 of United’s last 14 games, and he impressed against City at the Etihad on Wednesday, scoring the goal that gave Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side hope of a remarkable turnaround, before his late sending off for two bookable offences.
Until this run in the side, which has come about due to injuries to Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba, Matic had drifted to the fringes of the United squad, and although he is now back in favour he has held no discussions with the club over a new deal.
“I’ve got a contract until the end of the season. We will see. I’m at Carrington every day open to talk if they think I can help. If not, life will go on. For sure, there is always a solution,” said Matic, who is suspended for today’s match with Wolves because of that sending off at City.
His return to form may have alerted European clubs that he is now free to be approached and the Serbian did hint that other clubs may be interested in his services if United weren’t.
But his first option is to remain at the club he joined in the summer of 2017.
Matic has made 104 appearances for the club and although he is yet to win a trophy with United, he insists it is an honour to represent the club, and one he wants to continue enjoying, even if the ultimate goal of a return to winning the title looks a long way off at the moment.
“Of course. It’s a pleasure to represent this club for me. I came here to win and if they want me to stay then of course I’ll give my best to win trophies,” he said. “To be honest the reality now, with this team, is hard to win the league. We’re very far from that.
“We are there in the Europa League. We will give our best. As you know, many good teams are in it – Inter Milan, Ajax – who came from the Champions League. It will be very hard, not impossible, and we have a chance. The others play very good football.”
Matic didn’t divulge the clubs who may be interested in trying to sign him for nothing this summer, but said he would have options available if United decided to let him go.
“I can’t tell who is asking for me but for sure when you play at Manchester United, many clubs are looking to sign you,” he said. “My first option is Manchester United but if they decide something else then there are always solutions.”
Nemanja Matic