NEMANJA MATIC was “immense” for Manchester United against Arsenal and he will be key to their title hopes.
Those are the thoughts of BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks.
Matic, who was originally a serious doubt to be fit for the Emirates showdown, marshalled the midfield well as United ran out 3-1 winners on Saturday.
United are eight points behind Manchester City, whom they face on Sunday (4.30pm), and Crooks thinks Matic could be key to his side’s title hopes providing he stays fit.
“Nemanja [Matic] limped off the pitch during Manchester United’s impressive victory over Watford, but insisted he played in the following game at Arsenal,” Crooks told BBC Sport.
“Big players demand to play in the big matches and Matic was determined to face the Gunners at Emirates Stadium on Saturday. It was just as well.
“The Serbia international was immense. He made countless interventions and blocked at least three shots destined for the back of United’s net.
“Matic’s performances may not be as pleasing on the eye as Pogba’s, but he does relish the battle. If ever there was a game made for Matic, this was it.
“Arsenal took the game to United, but it was the 29-year-old who stood resolute, taking the muck and the bullets while the rest of his team-mates kept hitting Arsenal on the counter.
“De Gea, Valencia and Matic are key to United’s title hopes.
“If they can remain fit for the rest of the season it will release the likes of Pogba and others to get in behind enemy lines and do untold damage.
“That is, of course, if Pogba can stay on the field.”
Source:www.express.co.uk