Manchester United new-boy Nemanja Matic 'fits the bill' says Gary Neville, as former captain questions Chelsea's decision to sell

  • Nemanja Matic will fit in well at Manchester United, according to Gary Neville
  • The ex-United captain has given his approval to the midfielder's £40m transfer
  • Neville also questioned Chelsea's decision to sell him to a Premier League rival

Nemanja Matic will fit in well at Manchester United and is the exact player they need for this season, according to Gary Neville. 

Matic has reunited with his old Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford after completing a £40million move.

Former United captain Neville has given his approval to the transfer, saying the defensive midfielder is an important addition.

Nemanja Matic will fit in well at Manchester United this season, according to Gary Neville

Nemanja Matic will fit in well at Manchester United this season, according to Gary Neville

Former United captain Neville has given his approval to the Serbian midfielder's £40m transfer

Former United captain Neville has given his approval to the Serbian midfielder's £40m transfer

Matic has reunited with his former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford

Matic has reunited with his former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford

Neville told Sky Sports: 'Michael Carrick's obviously got one more year but he can't play every single week so they've got to have that player come in and do the same job. I believe Nemanja Matic can do that.


'United need a holding midfield player. Morgan Schneiderlin was let go earlier this year, Bastian Schweinsteiger didn't get a game. There needed to be a replacement in there and ultimately I think Matic will fit the bill.'

He also questioned Chelsea's decision to sell the Serbia international and wondered why they were letting an important player join a rival.

Neville also questioned Chelsea's decision to sell the player to a direct Premier League rival

Neville also questioned Chelsea's decision to sell the player to a direct Premier League rival

Chelsea have already signed another central midfielder, Tiemoue Bakayoko, from Monaco earlier in the summer transfer window.

However they have a very thin squad with just 17 recognised first-team players, and Neville thinks manager Antonio Conte must have reinforcements lined up to allow Matic to leave.

Neville said: 'It's a strange one for Chelsea to let him go because I thought he was good for them with (N'Golo) Kante and I think they need to strengthen. So I'm not sure why he's been let go so they must have replacements in hand.'