Manchester United signing Nemanja Matic is better than I expected - Chris Smalling

MANCHESTER UNITED defender Chris Smalling has admitted his appreciation for Nemanja Matic has skyrocketed since he joined the club.

Nemanja Matic GETTY

Nemanja Matic has been an instant success at Manchester United

Nemanja Matic joined Manchester United this month in a shock £40million move from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The Serbia international has fitted straight into Jose Mourinho's team and was hugely influential in United's 4-0 win over West Ham.

And Chris Smalling has admitted his appreciation for the 29-year-old has gone to a whole new level since training and playing alongside him.

"Obviously I’ve watched him from afar and been up against him for Chelsea," Smalling told The Metro.

Nemanja MaticGETTY

Chris Smalling has been impressed by Nemanja Matic in training

Ray Wilkins blasts Chelsea for selling Matic to Man United

"I always knew he was a good player but coming up close to him in training and seeing how he’s performed with us, it’s gone to a whole new level of appreciation.

"I see him working and not only does he close down the ball but he’s spraying those passes as well.

"My appreciation for him has gone up a level."

And Smalling thinks Matic's instant success at Old Trafford is all thanks to him being a tried-and-tested Premier League player.

"I think his age helps and obviously he comes from a club in the Premier League so he’s not needed very long to settle in at all," he added.

Matic joined United this month on a three-year deal until June 2020.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?