Nemanja Matic became the latest player to sign for Manchester United following his arrival at Old Trafford on a three year deal, with an option for a further year, after completing a move believed to be worth £40m from champions Chelsea.
#MUFC is delighted to announce the signing of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea on a three-year contract. https://t.co/AH5KfCr9ZI #MaticIsRed pic.twitter.com/vbl8kSLbEO
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 31, 2017
He follows Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku into the club as Mourinho looks to strengthen the spine of a team who found it hard to break down so-called lesser sides last season.
Matic will take the number 31 shirt which was recently vacated by Bastian Schweinsteiger and will add extra steel and physical presence to the United midfield.
It’s the second time that United manager Jose Mourinho has recruited the highly rated 6′ 4″ tall Serbian defensive midfielder, 28, after signing him for Chelsea in January 2014.
Matic won the title with Chelsea under Mourinho the following season and also won the title again last season under Antonio Conte.
The fact that Mourinho pursued Matic once again represents a vote of confidence in a player described as a “Jose Mourinho” player by the man himself.
Mourinho told the official United website: “Nemanja is a Manchester United player and a Jose Mourinho player. He represents everything we want in a footballer; loyalty, consistency, ambition, team player.
“I would like to thank him for his desire to join us because without that, it would be impossible to have him here. I am sure our players and supporters will love him. A big welcome to our new number 31.”
Nemanja Matic added: “I am delighted to have joined Manchester United. To work with Jose Mourinho once again was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.
“I have enjoyed my time at Chelsea and would like to thank the club and the fans for their support. I cannot wait to meet my new team-mates and to start training with them.
“This is a very exciting time for the club and I am looking forward to playing my part in creating more history for this great club.”