Manchester United transfer for Nemanja Matic was Chelsea saying ‘thank you’ - Denis Irwin

CHELSEA let Nemanja Matic join Manchester United as a ‘thank you’ for contributing to their title wins, according to Denis Irwin.

Gary Neville: Nemanja Matic would fit the bill for Man United

The former United full-back hailed the signing of Matic, who cost £40million from their rivals.

And despite having lost out to United in the race for Romelu Lukaku, Chelsea were willing to do business.

The Serbia international featured regularly in Antonio Conte’s side last term as the Blues strode to top spot.

And Jose Mourinho knows him well from his time in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Matic and Mourinho won the title in 2015 at Chelsea, and now the boss has brought that experience to Old Trafford.

Nemanja MaticGETTY

£40m signing Nemanja Matic is expected to slot straight in to Manchester United's first XI

Matic has done a fantastic job for Chelsea over the last few years

Dennis Irwin

Irwin did not expect to see Chelsea let a star player move to a rival for the Premier League trophy, although the Red Devils legend is not complaining.

“I was a little bit surprised by the fact Chelsea are selling to their rivals who will be challenging for the Premier League next year,” Irwin told talkSPORT.

“But Matic has done a fantastic job for Chelsea over the last few years and I suppose it was a bit of a thank you [to let him join United].

Nemanja MaticGETTY

Nemanja Matic won two Premier League titles with Chelsea

“Manchester United have got a tremendous player, a tremendous holding player, and they’ve needed somebody of that ilk.

“I think it’s a very good signing.”

Matic departed Chelsea after they secured the arrival of Tiemoue Bakayoko from Monaco.

And United’s new signing could feature in the UEFA Super Cup on Tuesday against Real Madrid.

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