25 Feb 2020 14:32:36
What do you guys feel about the Matic situation? His recent form has been encouraging and he could be good backup option or useful in games where we need that bit of experience.
With the squad already needing a AM, RW, ST and probably another CB, I don't see us going for a DM as well.
Probably the club might extend his contract for say 2 yrs and concentrate on strengthening other areas of the pitch. The most important factor however would be if Matic is prepared to be second choice or backup to others.
25 Feb 2020 14:59:38
I like Matic, top pro, vastly experienced, the issue came with overplaying him as he has generally looked knackered. He wouldn't be first choice but we need old heads right now and if he's happy being a squad player (doubtful) then I'd happily keep him.
25 Feb 2020 15:06:05
His issue isn't playing 20 games a season it's playing 40. So, as a back up he is excellent. Knows the league, experienced, still has quality.
He just doesn't have the legs anymore to play a whole season.
However, I don't think Matic sees himself as a back up player. Right up until January there was constant murmurings about him leaving. Since January they have gone somewhat. I don't think it's a coincidence that him being unhappy and possibly leaving only got leaked to the press when he wasn't playing.
I think what will happen will become clearer in the next few weeks. If McTominay comes back and relegates Matic back to the bench and suddenly reports about Matic being unhappy begin to surface again them we will have an answer.
25 Feb 2020 15:54:50
The club should look to replace him and he probably knows this and will be looking to move on anyway. It’s just the cycle of change and his time is up.
25 Feb 2020 16:00:43
from his own point of view, if he wants to play regularly, he's probably better off moving to Serie A .
However if he was happy to stay on as a squad player, he could do a good job for a season or two.
25 Feb 2020 17:03:59
Still the best CM we have by a good bit.
25 Feb 2020 18:53:15
We must be watching a different game Angelred. He is pondersome, slow on the ball and is very conservative with his movement as he doesn't want to be caught out of position.
He is experienced and steady. But requires energy and legs to do his running for him.
That will not improve. Time is up at end of season.
25 Feb 2020 20:40:02
The last few games he has played well. But prior to that, he hasn't impressed. It makes you wonder whether he has put more effort in due to his contract reaching excitement.
For now he is playing better than he has done. But he should be allowed to leave with Mata Pogba, Jones Rojo lingard and Perriera in the summer.
25 Feb 2020 20:47:32
Angel, I'm not sure about that. Pogba and Bruno have twice the ability, while McTominay and Fred have twice the application.
I think Matic still has quality, but he needs to have a couple of midfield runners to aide him.
It's not a coincidence that Matic's form over the last few weeks has often come when we have played three at the back and with a No.10 who often drops deep, meaning he has three defenders behind him and two midfielders in front/ around him.
Much harder for him to become isolated and his lack of mobility to be exploited.
I think there could still be a role for Matic to play next season. But it certainly wouldn't be as a regular starter.
26 Feb 2020 19:36:43
Opinions lads, I think he is a far better option than McT or Fred (I think is Fred is poor enough, not cut out if we want to go forward) McT is looking good but not matic quality yet.
I wasn't counting fernandes as I see him more as a 10.
27 Feb 2020 04:57:25
Matic brings stability to the midfield. It is difficult to disposses the ball from him.
I think we can get the best out of him, if we rotate him regularly and keep him fresh.
The only downside is, he doesn't play those defense splitting balls. However, I do think we need him for a couple of years as we lack experience in the squad.
27 Feb 2020 10:35:53
i'd sell matic and go for sms who we were linked with in the past or neves ; problem solved for good few years.
