Nemanja Matić set for Manchester United reunion as January Premier League transfer in the works

Nemanja Matić is reportedly set for a Manchester United reunion as a potential Premier League move in January is lined up for the veteran midfielder.

Nemanja Matić was signed in 2017 for Manchester United from Chelsea by José Mourinho for around £40 million, with the Serbian brought in to add control and composure to United’s midfield.

He excelled in his first season alongside Paul Pogba as the team finished second in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup final. His ability to shield the defence and dictate the tempo of play made him vital for the former Portuguese manager, especially in big games.

However, as the seasons progressed, his influence began to wane, with age and the increasing pace of the Premier League exposing limitations in his mobility.

Despite this, Matić remained a consummate professional, offering leadership on and off the pitch and mentoring younger players like Scott McTominay. While he never added a major trophy to his United tenure, he earned respect for his work ethic and dedication to the team.

His decision to leave in 2022 allowed the club to refresh their midfield options. Still, Matić’s contributions during a challenging era solidified his reputation as a dependable and selfless player, although many wish the now-35-year-old had signed before the latter years of his career.

He remains a popular figure among United fans for the above reasons and has since gone on to play for AS Roma, State Rennes, and Olympique Lyonnais after leaving Old Trafford.

Matić lined up for January Premier League transfer

According to Foot Mercato, the former United midfield general is now attracting interest from Premier League newbies Ipswich Town one year after he signed for Ligue 1 side Lyon.

Following a mixed start to the season that have left Ipswich immediately fighting for relegation, the club are said to appreciate Matić’s experience in the Premier League with United and Chelsea.

They see said experience as a very valuable asset that many of their current squad do not have, so adding the Serbian into their ranks would hand much-needed leadership in the dressing room.

However, they face competition from Serie A side Como 1907, who are managed by his former Chelsea teammate Cesc Fàbregas, with whom he played at Stamford Bridge between 2014 and 2017.

Matić set for United reunion

Should Matić join the Tractor Boys, he would be set for a Manchester United reunion as he would once again work under the guise of Kieran McKenna.

Now manager of Ipswich, McKenna was one of Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s assistants at United during the Norwegian’s spell in charge of the team.

Solskjær was known to let his assistants take many of the training sessions, with McKenna quickly eyed as a promising young coach who has since gone on to become a rising star in the world of managers after orchestrating back to back promotions with Ipswich.

Read More: “There is contact…” Manchester United move forward with transfer negotiations for £58m star

If Matić transfers to the East Anglia team, his previous experience with McKenna will only further boost the squad as he will not need as much time to adjust to the former United coach’s methods.

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