Nemanja Matic: Chelsea manager Antonio Conte didn't want to lose the midfield rock

That's the view of former Aberdeen goalkeeper and now journalist David Preece.

The 29-year-old was allowed to leave Chelsea for United in a £40m deal this summer, despite starting 35 matches last season for the Blues as they wrapped up the Premier League title.

The Serbia international won man of the match award on his United debut last weekend.

Matic starred in the middle of the park as Jose Mourinho’s men coasted past West Ham in a 4-0 victory at Old Trafford.

And Preece thinks the decision to sell the defensive midfielder was made behind the Italian manager’s back.

“Of course (it was a surprise),” the former Aberdeen goalkeeper said on talkSPORT.

“If it was up to him (Conte) I don’t think he would have wanted to lose him.

“Especially with the bodies that they’ve got, they’re missing a few.

“They’re going to need them this Sunday.”

Nemanja Matic: Man Utd new boy starred against West Ham last weekend

Chelsea will face Tottenham this weekend without Cesc Fabregas and Gary Cahill due to suspension.

David Luiz will likely deputise in midfield, while Victor Moses is back from suspension and should come back into the side.