“This season will be my last”- Nemanja Matic set to leave Manchester United at the end of the 2021-22 season amidst a midfield crisis


“This season will be my last”- Nemanja Matic set to leave Manchester United at the end of the 2021-22 season amidst a midfield crisis

Nemanja Matic confirmed on Friday that he would be leaving Manchester United at the end of the 2021-22 season after his five-year spell at the club. His last contract was signed in July 2020 which had him stay for two years at Old Trafford with a possible one-year extension until July 2023. However, Matic exercised his right to end his United career after two years, rather than having his extension triggered.

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The Serbian international let the fans know on Instagram, “After a great deal of thought, I have decided that this season will be my last with Manchester United. I have informed the board, the manager, and the players of my decision. It has been a huge honor and a privilege to play for this great club. A big thank you to the fans for their unwavering support. I will now give everything until the end of the season to help my teammates finish as strongly as possible.

Nemanja Matic’s departure has brought more pressure on Manchester United’s Midfield who would have to secure more signings this summer, with Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United expected to be signed as the club is looking for defense-minded players. However, all the official bids will be made once Erik ten Hag arrives.

Manchester United: Present and Future

Manchester United is currently seventh in the Premier League with 51 points from 31 games. They host bottom side Norwich City on Saturday. The most challenging of the remaining fixtures are against Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. Though far out for Champions League spot, the Red Devils will still like to secure European competition for next season.

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For that to happen, they will have to improve on their far mediocre performances recently against Leicester City and Everton. Moreover, next season with the expected arrival of new manager Erik ten Hag, a lot of new players happen to arrive at Old Trafford. So a team dynamic needs to be built up with the new squad.

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