Club also in discussions with midfielder over new deal
Tuesday 17 March 2020 16:14, UK
Manchester United have triggered the one-year option in Nemanja Matic's contract and are in discussions about a new deal.
Matic had entered the last four months of his contract, but United have tied him to the club until 2021.
The 31-year-old had been open to leaving during the January window but he has forced his way back into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans after a string of impressive performances in the absence of Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.
The Serbia international started nine of the last 10 Premier League games for United, only missing one due to a one-game suspension.
Matic signed a three-year deal plus the one-year extension when he moved to Old Trafford from Chelsea in 2017.
Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper
For a player who seemed surplus to requirements at the start of the season, the fact Manchester United have triggered the option of an extra year for Nemanja Matic shows how important he's become since the turn of the year.
The 31-year-old seemed destined to leave the club this summer and now they are talking to him about extending his time at Old Trafford beyond the additional 12 months agreed on Tuesday.
Matic is well respected and liked within the dressing room and while he will be a valuable asset in helping younger players mature and develop in the right way, it's his performances on the pitch that have sparked this u-turn.
Alongside Fred, Matic has been at the heart of a team that has won nine of its last 11 games, drawing the other two, and has provided a valuable platform for Bruno Fernandes' attacking instincts whilst shielding a backline that has only conceded twice in those 11 fixtures.
Solskjaer has talked about creating the right blend of young talent alongside players who are accustomed to performing at the highest level and he'll be pleasantly surprised that Matic has played his way back into the club's long-term plans.
