Manchester United have three games left in this terrible season, after which Erik ten Hag will attempt to cure the rot that has been festering for years at Old Trafford.
The clear out is ready to begin. One of the first Manchester United players to confirm they'd be playing elsewhere next season is Nemanja Matic. The Serb was brought to the club from Chelsea by Jose Mourinho and has been the kind of uninspiring, pay-cheque-cashing pro that typifies the plodding post-Fergie years at Manchester United.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match against Chelsea Thursday, Matic confirmed that Manchester United will stay in heart despite the fact he is heading to pastures anew. Matic's heart is a spacious heart though, as he also confirmed Manchester United would be joined there by Chelsea.
“For me, it was a pleasure, an honour to play at Old Trafford for five years.
“Three more games to play and United will stay forever in my heart, together with Chelsea because I also played for Chelsea.”
"Man Utd will stay forever in my hearts." ❤️
"I'm sure better times will come." 🤞
Nemanja Matic's immediate reaction after a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford. pic.twitter.com/DCWsVIjmyW— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 28, 2022
Matic also sent over reassurances that the club will turn things around.
Roy Keane was not moved by the sentimental outpouring by the Serb. Not in the slightest.
Roy Keane on Matic
"They all can't be in your heart..." 🤣🤣
Roy Keane being Roy Keane 🍿 pic.twitter.com/SfXPA0l2cW— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 28, 2022
"Matic talking about ‘I’m leaving, I’ve had a great time…Man Utd will always be in my heart, oh oh and Chelsea as well by the way, oh oh and Benfica don’t forget about them’ they all can’t be in your heart"
While criticising Marcus Rashford for smiling earlier in the programme is Keane at his most predictable, this dig is truly joyful. Every other pundit in England would have let the interview pass without comment, but Keane has a brilliant reply, and threw in a custom eyeroll. The exasperation is real. And ultimately Matic shoehorning in a reminder of his former club into the interview underlines Keane's core criticism about this woeful Manchester United side - that there isn't enough loyalty to and love for this club from its players.
It remains to be seen if Ten Hag can instill that.
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