Matic Ready For First-Team Battle At Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic says he will not become disruptive in the dressing room as he tries to win his place back. The 31-year-old has only made two appearances this season, with United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer favouring Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay.

United have made a solid start to the season, picking up eight points from their first five matches. That form has helped them into fourth, but Matic is now struggling to win his place back.

He joined the Red Devils from Chelsea in 2017 for £40million and has since made 66 league appearances for the club.

Related: United Face Injury Crisis Ahead Of Foxes Clash

Pogba missed Saturday’s 1-0 win over Leicester City due to injury, with Matic earning his first start of the campaign. The Frenchman is expected to reclaim his place in the coming weeks, but Matic says he will do all he can to keep his spot, rather than demand a transfer.

“Of course [it has been frustrating],” Matic said. “I want to play; I always give my best for the team. The coach is the man who picks the team, and when you are on the bench, you are not happy, but I am trying to convince him to change his mind and pick me to play.

“In the last ten years I have played in a high level and every game I try to do my best to help the team because I think I am a team player and I can help a lot I think. I show my quality on the pitch, in training sessions and in games. This is not my way to fight for the place.”

Matic will be confident of starting Thursday’s Europa League contest against Astana, while he may also feature in the Carabao Cup meeting against Rochdale. After a slow start to the season, his chances of first-team action should now increase with United trying to compete on three fronts until the end of December.