Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard (Picture: Getty)

Steven Gerrard admits he was ‘very disappointed’ when Manchester United signed Nemanja Matic from Chelsea in the summer.

Serbia midfielder Matic helped Chelsea win two titles in three years but was allowed to join Premier League rivals United for a fee of around £40million.

The 29-year-old has already made a significant impression at Old Trafford and has become a key part of Jose Mourinho’s midfield this season.

Former Liverpool captain Gerrard says Matic was one of the most difficult players he came up against and was left disappointed when bitter rivals United secure his signature.

Gerrard told BT Sport: ‘He was one of the toughest opponents I played against. He is very leggy, he’s good in the air, he competes, he always gets a toe in.

Nemanja Matic has made a fine start to his Manchester United career (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United 2018/19 Fixtures

Fulham (A) - Feb 9
PSG (H) - Feb 12
Chelsea (A) - Feb 18
Liverpool (H) - Feb 24
Crystal Palace (A) - Feb 27
Southampton (H) - Mar 2

‘He can run, he’s very aggressive with the ball and without the ball, he can burst past you with it and he can catch you.

‘I couldn’t believe it. I think out of all the Manchester United players I’ve seen them sign over the last couple of years, he’s the one I thought “Oh no, I hope not” so very disappointed about that as a Liverpool fan.’

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