Nemanja Matic is assured that Manchester United can be competing for the Premier League crown subsequent season after Erik ten Hag’s spectacular begin at Old Trafford.
The former Serbian worldwide midfielder tipped his outdated membership to rival the likes of Manchester City for the title in 2023-24, and was filled with reward for the fashion that the Red Devils are implementing on the pitch in a Sky Sports unique interview.
Under the Dutchman, United have flourished this marketing campaign – regardless of a shaky begin – and as issues stand are heading for a return to the Champions League.
They have additionally lifted their first piece of silverware in six years after Ten Hag guided his aspect to the Carabao Cup last, and will triumph within the FA Cup too, ought to they beat rivals City within the last in May.
Matic conceded that there have been contrasts to United’s fortunes in 2022-23, however remained satisfied that their progress below Ten Hag will take them to a battle for supremacy in England subsequent season.
Former Manchester United star Nemanja Matic tipped the Red Devils to compete within the title race subsequent season
Erik ten Hag has made a powerful begin within the Premier League regardless of a shaky begin
‘I like the best way he needs to play, I like the best way United are taking part in,’ the 34-year-old stated. ‘They have had some ups and downs and that’s regular with a brand new supervisor.
‘But I’m pleased with how they’ve progressed and I feel subsequent season they may struggle for the title for certain.’
The progress at Man United has been clear to see following the properly below-par 2021-22 marketing campaign, which left the membership sixth, 13 factors away from the Champions League locations on simply 58.
This season for comparability they’ve already amassed 63 with six video games left to play as they start to reassert themselves as a drive domestically.
However, regardless of the membership’s improved fortunes, captain Harry Maguire’s struggles have continued, with the centre again once more struggling for sport time and fluidity on the coronary heart of defence.
Maguire has misplaced his beginning berth to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, with the 30-year-old consigned to a spot on the bench for a lot of the season.
Of his 14 Premier League appearances, solely seven have lasted 90 minutes and, maybe extra alarmingly, he has been introduced on for 10 minutes or much less on six events.
With his contract up in 2025, his future stays unsure on the membership, though a transfer away is an choice accessible for the England star, ought to he want higher taking part in time within the run-up to Euro 2024.
Harry Maguire’s future on the membership stays unsure after dropping his place within the beginning XI
Matic – at present taking part in for Roma below Jose Mourinho – described Maguire as ‘an ideal participant’
‘I can perceive why he is taking part in for England as a result of he is an ideal participant,’ continued Matic. ‘When he signed for United, in his first season he performed virtually each sport and he was among the finest gamers.
‘The drawback right now is that for those who play two or three video games not nice, with social media, everybody criticises you and perhaps that affected him.
‘But he has to suppose solely about his job as a result of in soccer every thing can change in a number of weeks. His scenario does not look nice in the intervening time however he must be centered. He’s very skilled and we’ll see what the longer term brings for him.’
Matic is now plying his commerce with Jose Mourinho at Roma, and will meet United within the Champions League subsequent time period, with the Giallorossi vying for fourth spot in Serie A with Milan sides AC and Inter, all stage on 57 factors with six video games to go.
