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Monday, July 6, 2020

Nemanja Matic: Manchester United midfielder signs new three-year contract

Serbia international forced way back into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans in early part of 2020 during absence of injured duo Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay
Nemanja Matic has started each of Manchester United's last three league games
Nemanja Matic has agreed a new three-year deal at Manchester United, which keeps the midfielder at the club until 2023.
The Serbian's Old Trafford career looked to be nearing its end in January with the midfielder open to leaving during the winter window but he forced his way back into manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans after a string of impressive performances in the early part of 2020 during the absence of the injured Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.
In March, United triggered a one-year option in Matic's previous contract and began discussions on an improved deal.
"I am very happy that I will continue to be part of this great club," 31-year-old Matic told the club's website.
"As a player, I still have a lot more to give and achieve in my career and to do that with Manchester United will be a huge honour.
Matic has been in great form for United, who are aiming to secure a top-four finish this season
"This is a really exciting team to be part of, we have a good balance of youth and experience within the squad and there is great comradery amongst the group.
"This is a key part of the season and we are playing well. We will continue to fight to finish the season on a high and make our amazing supporters proud."
Solskjaer added: "I am delighted that Nemanja has signed a new contract, I know his experience, professionalism and leadership will be invaluable to this young talented group.
"We have great strength in midfield and Nemanja's attributes are a key part of that. Nemanja has been here for three seasons now and really understands the values of playing for Manchester United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is delighted to have secured Matic to a new long-term contract
"He remains hugely ambitious and determined which will be vital as we look to achieve our aims over the coming years."
Matic has been a key figure in United's impressive form since the Premier League's restart, coming off the bench against Tottenham before starting in each of their last three league victories.
He joined United from Chelsea in 2017 following three-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge. Matic has since featured 114 times for United, scoring four goals.
Nemanja Matic suffered an injury in October and was sidelined for two months
Matic: I seized my chance
Nemanja Matic looked like he could be on his way out of Manchester United earlier this year, with the 31-year-old open to leaving during the January transfer window but he forced his way back into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans after a string of impressive performances in the early part of 2020 during the absence of the injured Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.
During an exclusive interview with Sky Sports last week, Matic said he knew he would have to remain patient and wait for his chance to play so he could earn Solskjaer's trust.
"I always try to be professional and give my best when I am on the pitch, it doesn't matter if it is training or a game," he told Sky Sports.
"I've played football for a long time already and this situation is normal, sometimes you don't play and the coach doesn't see you as a first option. You can accept it or not but you have to be professional.
"You have to work hard, wait for your chance and use it. This is exactly what I did.
"Now the situation is different, the coach trusts me more. I'm a soldier and I wait for the instructions from my coaching team.
"To be honest, when you don't play of course you think about everything but in my head I always try to be positive. I always believe in my quality and I know if work hard my time is going to come again."

Kai Havertz to Chelsea: Blues given green light to complete transfer as they come up with plan

The Germany international is a man in demand ahead of the next transfer window and he is being heavily linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United

Germany international Kai Havertz is attracting plenty of interest ahead of the summer transfer window opening for business.

The 21-year-old attacking-midfielder, who can also operate as a striker, is being linked with a whole host of big names clubs across Europe, including the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

The talented midfielder has excelled in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen this seaon, not only showing his skill and versatility, but also his leadership qualities as he has worn the captain's armband on a whole host of different occasions, showing great signs of maturity for someone at such a young age.

Chelsea, as already proven with the additions of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, are desperate to bolster their squad ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League season and Havertz is understood to be another name right at the very top of head coach Frank Lampard's wish list.

But a deal for the Germany star is not expected to come cheap, with Leverkusen reportedly looking at a fee of somewhere between £70million-£90million.

But the Blues are desperate to lure him to Stamford Bridge and are looking at a whole host of methods to possibly pull off a deal.