Chelsea’s decision to sell Nemanja Matic to Manchester United has divided the fanbase. Gary Neville falls firmly on the side of those confused by it.
Nemanja Matic has reunited with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford. The Serbian officially completed his move on Monday as he became a Manchester United player. Despite his poor performances over the last two seasons, there are many Chelsea fans confused by the club’s decision to sell a decent player to a direct rival. Sky Sports pundit, Gary Neville, is also bewildered.
"It’s a strange one for Chelsea to let him go because I thought he was good for them with Kante and I think they need to strengthen. So I’m not quite sure why they’re letting him go but they must have replacements lined up. United need a holding midfield player…and Matic fits the bill. – via The Telegraph"
Matic was one of Chelsea’s best players when they cantered to league and cup success in the 2014/15 campaign. Having been brought back to Stamford Bridge by Mourinho, Matic repaid the faith with an imperious season.
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He was nowhere near his best in the next term, but few players were. Last season, though, he failed to truly reignite like some of his teammates under Antonio Conte. It was no surprise that the Blues were willing to sell him, but it is surprising that they have shipped him to Old Trafford.
United were not great last season. Despite that, they came away with the Europa League and League Cup. After a year of getting accustomed to Mourinho, the Red Devils are poised to seriously challenge for the Premier League title and even the Champions League.
Giving them Matic only strengthens them. As Neville points out, he is a perfect fit for that squad. The Serbian is an ideal candidate to takeover Michael Carrick’s role as the veteran is slowly phased out of the starting eleven. The change of scene, meanwhile, could be exactly what Matic needs to rediscover his form.
Apart from Petr Cech, Chelsea do not sell to domestic rivals. Arsenal have done so and they have paid the price. There is simply no sense in green lighting this deal.
Matic reportedly had suitors elsewhere; Chelsea would have been able to sell the 29-year-old anyway. Sending him to United is bewildering.
Perhaps it is a reflection on how Conte views Matic? If so, it indicates that he thinks very little of the midfielder. That would only motivate Matic to prove his old boss wrong and that’s even more dangerous.
Next: If Chelsea’s board wants Antonio Conte to fail, they are on the right track
What do you think of this deal? Are you on Gary Neville’s side? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!