Nemanja Matic claims he has nothing to prove on his return to Chelsea for the first time since his £40million switch to Manchester United.

Matic has been one of United's stand-out performers this season, with many in football staggered Chelsea allowed such an influential player leave them to join one of their title rivals.

The 29-year-old Serb has started all of United's Premier League and Champions League games this season and has proved himself to be Jose Mourinho's key summer signing.

Matic has been a hit at Old Trafford (
Image:
PA)

The pair worked together at Chelsea, where Matic won two Premier League titles, before he was shown the door by Antonio Conte in the summer, a decision that is already looking like backfiring on the Blues.

Ahead of Sunday's Stamford Bridge clash, Matic said he had proved his worth to Chelsea during his time there and that his only loyalty was now towards United.

“I feel when I played there, I showed them my quality,” said Matic.

“We won the title twice and also two cups, so I don't have to prove to them anything. I just have to prove something to my new club.

The Serbian won two league titles at Chelsea (
Image:
Getty)

“I spent a good time there, three-and-a-half years, which is a long time, and of course it's going to be something special again for me to play again in that stadium.

“But now I'm on the opposite side, I have to be professional and do the best for my team. Now I'm a United player, I will try to do the best for my team and to take points there.

"When I played there I always gave 100 per cent. I'm sure they respect that but if not, I don't really care."

United currently trail Premier League leaders and local rivals Manchester City by five points, although that gap could be eight by the time Mourinho's men face Chelsea, with Pep Guardiola's side hosting Arsenal earlier on Sunday.

Matic has teamed up with Mourinho again (
Image:
Getty)
Guadiola's City look unstoppable (
Image:
REUTERS)

Despite City looking invincible and already holding a significant advantage, Matic said there is no sense of panic at United and suggested Guardiola's players will find the going tough in the months ahead.

“The Premier League is difficult,” said Matic. “It doesn't matter if you're first with a five-point lead, even seven or 10.

“If you lose two games, then the other teams are there, so it's important not to lose points, of course, but there's a long way to go."

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