New Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag reportedly wanted Serbian midfielder NemanjaMatic to stay at the club beyond this summer. This is according to the report from the Daily Mail which stated that the Dutchman wanted Matic to sign a new contract that would have seen him prolong his stay at the Theatre of Dreams.
Serbian midfielder Matic was one of several high-profile exits from Manchester United this summer. Apart from Matic, the likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Manuel Mata and Edinson Cavani also left Manchester United at the end of their respective contracts. From the players who left Manchester United on a free transfer this summer, only the duo of Matic and Pogba have signed for a new club. Both Matic and Pogba have signed for clubs in the Italian top flight. Matic has signed for AS Roma, while Frenchman Pogba has returned to Juventus.
Manchester United boss Ten Hag was said to be keen on Matic staying beyond this summer as he was impressed with his commanding presence in the squad. He felt the Serbian was a positive influence on the team during his time at Old Trafford. Ten Hag tried to convince Matic to stay at the club, but his mind was already fixed on a move away from the club. The ex-Chelsea and Benfica man has signed a one-year deal at Roma with the option of an extra year.
Matic left Chelsea to sign for Manchester United five years ago and he made 188 appearances for the club in all competitions till he left last month.