Welcome to Matic, Manchester.
Manchester United kicked off their Premier League campaign with an impressive 4-0 victory at home to West Ham United on Sunday, and their new signings began their Old Trafford careers in some style. Romelu Lukaku got two goals, and Nemanja Matic got the plaudits. Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba also scored.
Lukaku scored either side of half-time with two well executed efforts. The Belgian striker began his United career in perfect style. However, such was his performance, most people were talking about Matic.
The Serbian midfielder joined United from Chelsea earlier this month in a deal that left many perplexed, including Antonio Conte. The Chelsea manager, like a lot of observers, couldn’t understand why the Premier League champions sanctioned Matic’s sale to a direct rival.
Matic showed Conte and Chelsea what they were missing at Old Trafford, particularly in the first half. He was everywhere, and the best player on the pitch at times. The 29-year-old was excellent in possession, providing a calming influence for others, he rarely lost the ball and linked up well with his teammates. He played an important part in United’s opening goal, winning the ball in midfield and helping the team break, before Lukaku finished.
This type of goal, where Matic wins the ball and United counter attack and score, could be a regular occurrence this season.
It’s early days, but it already looks like Matic will prove to be an intelligent signing for Jose Mourinho.
A lot of people were impressed by his performance.
https://twitter.com/fizzer18/status/896753694657662976
J Stand starting to sing the 'Nemanja' chant. Not taken long for Matic to win their approval. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) August 13, 2017
Man United looking very strong. Matic and Lukaku off to a flyer. Spurs up and running today. Exciting season ahead.
— 👑 Joey Barton 👑 (@Joey7Barton) August 13, 2017
Paul Pogba (7) and Nemanja Matic (4) attempted 11 take-ons between them in the first half vs. West Ham.
Only one was unsuccessful. 👏 pic.twitter.com/IU8eooKLgF
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 13, 2017
Brilliant first half from Matic. Rashford gets assist for goal but Matic created space with unselfish run outside. Impressive stuff.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) August 13, 2017
Matic outstanding for Man Utd. Makes you wonder why Chelsea sold him. But I don't think he was a player Conte wanted to keep.
— Jason Burt (@JBurtTelegraph) August 13, 2017
Seriously, Chelsea selling Matic is looking like one of the stupidest pieces of business in quite a while.
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) August 13, 2017
Lukaku scores, but Matic brilliantly made it with crucial tackle and then surging forward with overlapping run. He's some player #mufc
— Sam Pilger (@sampilger) August 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/liam11/status/896758226640941057
Matic stand out player this half for @ManUtd gives freedom to Mata and Pogba to go and express themselves further forward
— Danny Higginbotham (@Higginbotham05) August 13, 2017
Nemanja Matic is the top UK trend.
Here's his day so far…
Will Chelsea regret selling him to Man Utd?https://t.co/1aZdZ2psSZ #MUNWHU pic.twitter.com/5eo0Na8uON
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) August 13, 2017
