Jose Mourinho has finally made his third signing of the summer transfer window, acquiring the services of Nemanja Matic from Premier League rivals Chelsea FC.
The 28-year-old completed the switch for a reported fee of about 40 million euros.
He fell out of favour at Chelsea after the arrival of Timeoue Bakayoko form French champions AS Monaco.
Matic has worked under Mourinho before at SL Benfica in Portugal, probably one of the reasons why he preferred a move that would reunite him with his coach.
READ MORE
Ex-Governor Mwangi wa Iria freed on Sh10m cash bail in graft case
Case on witchcraft and curse claim splits family
General Ogolla: Politics aside, no technology anywhere is fool-proof
Jose Mourinho is one of the world’s most experienced football managers, having coached at different top level European clubs including Real Madrid, Chelsea, Inter Milan and FC Porto, winning the Champions League and league titles.
With a style of play that requires maximum defensive and attacking effort from his players, Matic will surely fit into the Man United setup, phasing out 35-year-old veteran Michael Carrick.
Pundits have analysed what the Serbian will bring to the side and come up with the following:
· The arrival of Matic at Man United’s midfield would mean that Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba would play more freely, creating more chances and scoring more goals.
· Michael Carrick could be playing his last season at Man United and Matic will be a direct replacement in terms of the style of play and positioning on the pitch.
· One thing about Jose Mourinho’s side that is coming to light is the existence of very good left footed players having a left footed defender (Blind), midfielder (Matic) and striker (Lukaku) completes the pattern in every area of the pitch.
· Man United will be very dangerous during set pieces- having a set of tall players who can win the ball in the air.
· Mourinho has never managed in any league and failed to win it. We could expect Man United to push for the title in the coming season.
· Matic will wear the jersey 31, formerly donned by German midfield maestro Bastian Schweinsteiger. He should be able to play at his best under no pressure to match jersey wearer qualities.
· Man United might score more goals this season since Matic was second highest assist provider at Chelsea last season.
· Could Mourinho be bringing back a Chelsea side to Man United? Romelu Lukaku, Juan Mata were Chelsea players before moving.
· Man United’s formation could change, possibly shifting to a back 3 with 5 in the middle. Matic is capable of retreating to defence if numbers are needed at the back.
· Winning balls in the midfield will not be a problem for Man United. Fellaini, Matic, Pogba and Lukaku are big, tall and strong players capable of battling for possession.
