Rio Ferdinand explains how Nemanja Matic helps Man United duo

Man United midfielder Nemanja Matic Photo: MUTV

Rio Ferdinand has credited Nemanja Matic with bringing out the best in Manchester United midfielders Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba.

The Red Devils signed Matic in a £40m deal from Premier League title rivals Chelsea in the summer transfer window to improve their defensive midfield options.

Manchester United have made an impressive start to the Premier League season, thanks in part to Matic’s performances in the middle of the park to free up his team-mates.

The Serbia international has allowed Mkhitaryan and Pogba to play with more freedom in Jose Mourinho’s team this season which has yielded four victories and one stalemate.

The 29-year-old is a two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea and Matic will be hoping to get his hands on the trophy for a third time as well as helping Manchester United end their five-season trophy drought.

Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand explained how Matic is getting the best out of players such as Mkhitaryan and Pogba following his summer move to Old Trafford.

“Matic releases Mkhitaryan and Pogba, and allows them to go and flourish in the attacking positions,” Ferdinand told BT Sport on Tuesday night.

Manchester United were 3-0 winners against Basel in their Champions League group-stage opener at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

The Red Devils have won three of their opening four Premier League games this season.

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