Source: Blaise Matuidi via Facebook
Blaise Matuidi has been there and done it all. The Paris Saint-Germain star has 12 months remaining on his current contract at Parc des Princes and a number of Europe’s elite clubs have been linked with a move for the 30-year-old this summer. According to reports, Jose Mourinho is a big Matuidi fan and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the Red Devils bid for the Frenchman before the transfer window slams shut.
All in all, Matuidi would bring experience and reliability to United’s midfield – and that is exactly what Mourinho’s men need ahead of what could be a memorable campaign at Old Trafford. With over 50 international caps for France and 200 appearances for Ligue 1 giants PSG, Matuidi has the ‘big game’ experience needed to succeed in the Premier League and his impact could be key as United look to win the title for the first time since 2013.
At the time of writing, the Red Devils are valued at 7/2 with bitcoin betting site Sportsbet.io and plenty of punters will be keen to back Mourinho’s men at that price. Transfer rumours are everywhere at the moment but Matuidi to Old Trafford has legs and a move is plausible. Contract extension talks with PSG are underway but nothing has been decided yet and United could swoop in with a tempting bid before the end of August.
The evergreen Michael Carrick turns 36 at the end of July and United must sign a competent replacement sooner rather than later. Realistically, the England man has one year left and even then, he won’t be able to play week in, week out. Matuidi is everything you want in a defensive midfielder and his close connection with Paul Pogba should give United an added edge, particularly in fixtures against England’s elite sides and on European nights.
According to Whoscored, Matuidi averaged 2.9 tackles per game in the Champions League last season – the highest figure of any Paris Saint-Germain player. In addition, he made 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 fouls and he could be United’s main difference maker. Marouane Fellaini had a much-improved campaign under Mourinho but there are still doubts over his ability to perform for United on the big stage.
It's been a wild ride for Marouane Fellaini this past 12 months, but Mourinho seems to trust him – will he have a big part to play next yr? pic.twitter.com/En0nXvZ4TC
— Full Time DEVILS (@FullTimeDEVILS) June 17, 2017
The Frenchman has come under scrutiny in recent months as well, with some fans blaming him for PSG’s capitulation against Barcelona. On his day, Matuidi is one of the most consistent defensive midfielders in world football and his presence alone should free up Pogba and Ander Herrera to perform their own duties. As previously stated, a handful of other clubs are interested in Matuidi and United should act quickly to sign the 30-year-old.
Matuidi isn’t going to come into the side and score a hatful of goals nor is he going to make assists on a weekly basis. But he can take United back to the top. In order to succeed, an organised defensive midfielder is essential – both domestically and in Europe. Mourinho doesn’t usually get it drastically wrong in the transfer window and Matuidi’s arrival could signal the start of a new era of dominance at Old Trafford.
