Nemanja Matic will leave Manchester United at the end of the season, after confirming the news on his personal Instagram account.
In an official statement, Manchester United have confirmed Nemanja Matic’s decision to leave the club after the current season comes to a close. The midfielder will decide on his next move imminently as he calls time on his Old Trafford career.
Nemanja Matic was supposed to be one of the signings that helped stabilise the team and bring the necessary balance. He did perform the role while at Chelsea, helping them win the Premier League on two occasions as a regular starter. Overall, he has three domestic league titles with the Blues.
The midfielder never reached the same heights at Manchester United as the entire team struggled for relevance. There has been plenty of discontent in the camp, and given the instability at the club, Matic never found the balance to stamp his authority on the pitch.
After 183 appearances and five seasons under his belt at Old Trafford, Matic has decided to leave Manchester United when the current season ends.
“After a great deal of thought, I have decided that this season will be my last with Manchester United. I have informed the board, the manager and the players of my decision.
“It has been a huge honour and a privilege to play for this great club. A big thank you to the fans for their unwavering support. I will now give everything until the end of the season to help my teammates finish as strongly as possible,” his statement read.
Manchester United will miss the strong midfield presence of Matic and have already started their search for a replacement. The club wants to bring in a solid defensive midfielder to make the position stronger and build from there. Reported incoming manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly drawn out plans to target specific names.
Ten Hag wants to sign Aurelien Tchouameni in the summer, although the club are keeping tabs on multiple other targets. They want to bring in a solid, long-term option to marshall central midfield for years to come.
Manchester United are also linked with Leeds star Kalvin Phillips, although a move may look difficult to make considering the animosity between the two clubs. Other names include Enzo Fernandez, who remains a target but lacks European pedigree or experience.
As for Matic, it remains to be seen where the midfielder moves next. There’s still no clarity whether he will leave on a free transfer or Manchester United will seek a transfer fee from interested clubs, as the Serbian will have a year left on his contract when the season ends.
