Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has reportedly been offered to AS Roma, where Jose Mourinho is keen on a summer reunion.
According to a report from Calciomercato, Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic, who has confirmed his intention to leave in the summer, has been offered to Serie A giants AS Roma.
Matic arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2017, a year after Jose Mourinho took over the reins at Old Trafford. The Serbian midfielder had tasted immense success at Chelsea under the Portuguese tactician during the latter’s second stint as manager and join Manchester United in the hope of reproducing that success.
While Matic proved to be an effective signing for Manchester United, he could never hit the heights of his Chelsea days under Mourinho. Following the Portuguese’s departure in late 2018, the Serbian international’s role gradually decreased under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Matic has been a rotation option for Manchester United since last season, with his fortunes not improving since interim boss Ralf Rangnick took over either. With Erik ten Hag now confirmed as the next manager of the club, Matic has decided that the time is right for him to move on from Old Trafford.
Indeed, the veteran midfielder has announced his intentions to leave already. And as things stand, Matic could be set for another reunion with former mentor Jose Mourinho, this time at AS Roma.
The Portuguese tactician took charge of the Giallorossi last summer and has had a mixed debut season. Mourinho has been crying out for a leader and an experienced head in his midfield department. The former Manchester United boss tried to sign Granit Xhaka from Arsenal last year but failed. With the Swiss midfielder signing a new deal, he is expected to stay put at the Emirates.
So, Mourinho and Roma are exploring other venues, with Matic emerging as a target. Now, it is being claimed that the 33-year-old has been offered to the Italian capital club. While there is interest in working out a deal, the report mentions that the Giallorossi would require Matic to reduce his wages.
The former Chelsea ace pockets around €7 million per week at Manchester United. But given his advancing years, Roma want him to accept a lower salary if he wishes to move to Italy. It will be interesting to see if Matic is willing to forego a portion of his salary to reunite with Mourinho or pursues a lucrative contract elsewhere.
