Nemanja Matic, a former midfielder for Manchester United, has encouraged his former team to contend for the Premier League championship in the upcoming year.
The former United player spoke with Sky Sports on his debut season at Roma under Jose Mourinho as well as the struggles of his old teams Chelsea and United. Matic discussed Marcus Rashford's performance this year as well as Harry Maguire's predicament.
The Serbian midfielder rejoined Jose Mourinho at Roma last summer following five seasons at Old Trafford, and he has been a fixture for the Serie A team this season.
However, he has kept a close eye on his former team, with Erik ten Hag on track to clinch a Champions League spot for the upcoming campaign. Maguire, who Matic thinks may have been damaged by social media criticism, is one player who hasn't played much this campaign.
"I can understand why he's playing for England, because he's a great player," said Matic. "When he signed for United, in his first season he played almost every game and he was one of the best players. The problem today is that if you play two or three games not great, with social media, everyone criticises you - and maybe that affected him.
"But he has to think only about his job, because in football everything can change in a few weeks. His situation doesn't look great at the moment, but he needs to be focused. He's very professional and we'll see what the future brings for him."
While things haven't exactly gone Maguire's way this season, Marcus Rashford's performance has been a huge plus for United, and Matic hasn't been at all surprised by that.
"For me, he's one of, it not the best United player" said Matic. .He scores so many goals and he just needs to continue. For one player to perform he needs the support of all the team. If United as a team are doing well then always one player will appear a star.
"The good thing is that the star is a striker or winger or midfielder. In previous seasons we had the star of David de Gea and if your goalkeeper is the star that is not good; you are in trouble. I'm happy for Marcus... he's a talented player and a very good person."
The Serbian midfielder commented that he has liked what he has seen so far during United's debut season under Erik ten Hag. He admired the Dutchman's approach to the game and said the development was obvious.
"I like the way he wants to play," he said. "I like the way United are playing. They have had some ups and downs and that is normal with a new manager. But I'm happy with how they have progressed and I think next season they will fight for the title for sure."
"I'm very proud to have represented two of the biggest clubs in England. I lived the dream playing in the Premier League for Chelsea and Manchester United, it was a great achievement. I will always remember those clubs in a positive way and they have a special place in my heart."
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