Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic reportedly wants showdown talks with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over his role and Manchester United future.

According to a report by Daily Mirror, Nemanja Matic is concerned over his future at Manchester United. As a result, he is set to demand showdown talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over his role in the Red Devils’ first-team setup while seeking clarity over his future at Old Trafford.

Matic joined Manchester United in the summer of 2017 in a move that is rarely seen in the Premier League, joining from fellow ‘Big Six’ rivals Chelsea. The transfer seemed to have paid off in his maiden season at Old Trafford, with the Serb playing a key role in the Red Devils’ best league campaign since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

But, since then, it has all been downhill, with age seemingly catching up with the player. And, in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first full season as the Manchester United manager, Matic is slowly starting to become a peripheral figure for the Premier League heavyweights.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 11: Nemanja Matic of Manchester United waves to fans at the conclusion of a Manchester United training session at the WACA on July 11, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
What does the future hold for Matic? (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

If the three games so far this term are anything to go by, Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba are the preferred pairing in the midfield double pivot in the 4-2-3-1 formation that Solskjaer is employing. While it would be premature to rule out any sort of a role for Matic in the team, what is clear is that he no longer remains one of the first-choice midfielders for the Manchester United boss.

As a result, there has been a cloud of uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford, with recent reports suggesting that he was keen to hold talks over his status at the club. And, Daily Mirros claim that Matic is now demanding showdown talks with Solskjaer over his Manchester United future.

Matic’s ouster as a regular does make sense as his lack of mobility and pace makes him an anomaly in the Manchester United manager’s high intensity style of play. On top of that, it does not help the Serb’s cause that McTominay continues to impress under Solskjaer, even in defeat to Crystal Palace this past weekend.

But, Matic ought to still have some sort of place in the manager’s plans, considering Manchester United did not sign any midfielder this summer. This decision has left the Red Devils with Andreas Pereira, Fred and Matic as the only other options beyond the preferred pairing of McTominay and Pogba to slot in the double pivot.

Having said that, Matic’s stance seems understandable, seeing as he is yet to see a minute of action so far this season. Hence, the clear-the-air talks seem to be the best way forward for all parties involved, especially with a number of clubs keen to make a late loan move for the player. However, it will be interesting to see if any departure is sanctioned between now and September 2.

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