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'Why did Chelsea sell him?'

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes hails £40million signing of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea

Jose Mourinho started the Serbia international in Macedonia against Real Madrid in the Super Cup

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes hailed the signing of Nemanja Matic and questioned why Chelsea let him go.

The straight-talking Mancunian hopes Matic's aggression and discipline in midfield will give Jose Mourinho's attacking stars the freedom to express themselves.

 Nemanja Matic started against Real Madrid in the Super Cup
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Nemanja Matic started against Real Madrid in the Super CupCredit: EPA
 Paul Scholes spoke while working as a pundit on BT
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Paul Scholes spoke while working as a pundit on BT

The £40million signing of the Serbia international surprised Scholes as he also compares him to Michael Carrick.

Speaking on BT Sport, Scholes said: "I really like the Matic signing.

"That was one that surprised me, it makes you wonder 'why did Chelsea sell him?'.

"He brings aggression to United's midfield, which is something they've been lacking.

"He's very similar to Carrick as a midfielder, but what he brings that Michael doesn't is a little bit of aggression.

"He gets the ball, he tackles, he allows others to play - you saw that with Chelsea.

 The midfielder signed from Chelsea for £40million
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The midfielder signed from Chelsea for £40millionCredit: AP:Associated Press
 The Manchester United legend said he adds more aggression to their midfield
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The Manchester United legend said he adds more aggression to their midfield

"Him and [N'Golo] Kante were magnificent together and that allowed [Eden] Hazard and [Cesc] Fabregas that bit of freedom.

"And I'm hoping he'll do that with United - freedom for [Paul] Pogba, [Anthony] Martial, [Jesse] Lingard and [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan - these players really need to step up this year I think."

 Nemanja Matic has been reunited with Jose Mourinho at Man United
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Nemanja Matic has been reunited with Jose Mourinho at Man UnitedCredit: Rex Features


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