Experience and Mourinho\u2019s trust<\/h3>\n
First things first, Nemanja Mati\u0107 has the familiarity of the Premier League, not only in itself but specifically under Mourinho.<\/p>\n
Having been at the top of English football for a lengthy time of his career, Mati\u0107 knows exactly what to expect and shouldn\u2019t have any problems adjusting. Unlike United\u2019s first signing, Victor Lindelof, a young Swede from the Portuguese league, but similar to the signing of Romelu Lukaku, who has some knowledge of not only the Premier League but time under Mourinho as well.<\/p>\n
From what he is most known for, Mati\u0107 was one of Mourinho\u2019s main men in the winning 2014\/15 season. Having just arrived at the English club for the second time, the Serbian became an instant component to the way Mourinho wanted to play throughout the season.<\/p>\n
Accompanied by Cesc F\u00e0bregas in the middle, Mati\u0107 came to be known as a necessity for Chelsea. Helping not only himself have an amazing first season back the second time around, but allowing his teammate such as Eden Hazard, to have an impressive campaign as well.<\/p>\n
Which transitions very well into the next point\u2026<\/p>\n
Holding the middle\/ freeing Pogba<\/h3>\n
These next few paragraphs will try to emphasize how important the pairing of Pogba and Mati\u0107 could be used within the season approaching and several more to come.<\/p>\n
For starters, there are multiple formations in which Mourinho could go about things and what makes the most sense in order to amplify the talents of all that he has in the middle.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.manunited.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Matic-formation.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
From here, we can go on to see how exactly things are likely to pan out throughout the season, with an array of possible lineups and formations that are most suitable to the strengths of Manchester United.<\/p>\n
Whether it will be in a holding sense or build up sense, Mati\u0107 will need to take the focus off of Pogba and create a tempo in the middle in order to let the abilities of the Frenchman to shine, much like what he did with Hazard at Chelsea.<\/p>\n
What Pogba needs is a bearer of weight defensively, in the sense to allow him to be more creative and free flowing in the middle to the final third of the pitch. In doing so, the movement in the central part of United\u2019s squad will work better together as one.<\/p>\n
Last season, with the pairing of Pogba and Herrera, as impressive and operational as it was, lacked a more defensive aspect of being caught on a break or counter attack from the opposing side. Although demonstrated to have improved, Ander Herrera would better suite to have Mati\u0107 in the holding role as opposed to himself. Having Mati\u0107 lying deeper on the pitch would allow the likes of Pogba and even Herrera to move forward, leaving the administering role to the Serbian.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.manunited.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Matic-Konte.jpg\")
\nMuch like what Mati\u0107 was able to do throughout the latest season with N’Golo Kant\u00e9, allowing him to be the more direct central midfielder. What Mati\u0107 would do in these cases was drop back and cover any open area of play. In doing so, this creates a well-formed balance between the two holding midfielders because much like Kant\u00e9, Ander Herrera would be that aggressive threat.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.manunited.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Matic-dropback.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Here we see how Mati\u0107 can fall back and cover the depths of the back four when needed. As Mati\u0107 narrows in on the man with the ball, the opposition feels pressure to release it to his teammate on the flanks. Looking for a give-and-go pass, the player continues his run with Mati\u0107 not far behind. Seeing that his man is covered, the player with possession keeps the ball, running himself into the corner covered by not only Mati\u0107 but two more defenders forcing him to make a sloppy cross.<\/p>\n
This is a perfect example of what Mati\u0107 is capable of as a holding midfielder and what he could do in similar situations for Manchester United next season. An important gap has been filled during this offseason and Red Devil football should almost be a guaranteed excitement for the upcoming campaign.<\/p>\n
Conclusion<\/h3>\n
As the pre-season doors have just closed with the addition of midfielder, Nemanja Mati\u0107, things seem to be in full flex and hopes high for Jos\u00e9 Mourinho\u2019s side. With such a brilliant signing being made, it is clear as to what Mati\u0107 brings along with what his assets will be used for. Whether it is holding the middle, protecting the back four or helping advance the use of one of the world\u2019s best midfielders in Paul Pogba, Nemanja Mati\u0107 could be seen as the perfect weapon in Mourinho\u2019s missionary in order to pursue a Champions League run and a title contending season. As it is much known, Jos\u00e9 Mourinho\u2019s first seasons can be impressive but it is the next year that should be feared.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"