The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Matic in new contract talks at Old Trafford
Club is working hard to tie up international midfielder on an extended deal
Manchester United have triggered the clause extending Nemanja Matic’s contract by a year – and are in talks about lengthening it further.
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 at the club 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 rife about his future.
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 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 OK 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, Manchester United have scrapped plans to return to training on Tuesday due to the ever-evolving coronavirus crisis.
The domestic and European campaigns were suspended last Friday due to Covid-19, just a day after Ole Gunnar 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.
However, it’s understood that the players were informed last 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 a 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions and are scheduled to play at Brighton on April 4, the day the Premier League is hoping to resume.
“We are in talks and if everything is OK then I have said to the club that I am happy to stay NEMANJA MATIC