Nemanja Matic: Manchester United must ‘add 30%’ improvement to compete for Premier League title

Along with Pogba, Matic and Fernandes have been the key trio in the middle during United’s upturn in fortunes

Karl Matchett
Wednesday 22 July 2020 16:41 BST
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Nemanja Matic has noticed a big improvement in Manchester United‘s play compared to the beginning of the season and says Bruno Fernandes has brought real quality since arriving in January.

The Serbian was in and out of the team earlier on in the campaign, but has re-emerged as Paul Pogba’s partner in midfield since lockdown ended.

Results have generally been good since then, up until an FA Cup semi-final exit at the hands of Chelsea.

Matic told Sky Sports that the team is taking noticeable steps back toward the top, but still need to add a considerable amount to be thought of as contenders for the league championship.

“I think we are improving every day, game by game, step by step,” Matic said.

“I have to say that there is big difference between the beginning of the season and now – in a positive way, of course.

“If we add 30 per cent more on top of that, we will be ready to compete for the Premier League title. Soon, I think we will be ready to compete with anyone.”

On Fernandes, Matic says the squad are well aware of what he has brought to the team and picks out the former Sporting CP man as one of the players who can help United get back toward the top.

“He’s a great player. I think we all appreciate that he is with us. He has a lot of quality in his legs and he brings something extra to our team.

“He’s going to be a very important player in the future of Manchester United.”

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