Rio Ferdinand: Man United signing compensates for Paul Pogba’s weakness
The Man United legend explains why Nemanja Matic helps to bring out the best in Paul Pogbaxxx
Rio Ferdinand believes Nemanja Matic’s addition to the Manchester United team has helped to releive Paul Pogba of his defensive duties.
The Serbia international completed a controversial £40m move to the Red Devils from defending Premier League champions Chelsea on deadline day.
Pogba was criticised for struggling to fulfill his defensive responsibilities during the 2016-17 Premier League campaign after his £89m return to Old Trafford.
The 25-year-old has scored five goals and has made four assists in the Premier League last term but Pogba has already found the net three times in five games this term.
Matic has effortlessly slotted into the Manchester United team to allow Jose Mourinho’s side to make an impressive start to the campaign.
The versatile midfielder’s knee injury left Mourinho short on creativity in the middle of the park as Manchester United collected four points from four games.
However, Pogba scored a goal and made an assist on his return to the Manchester United team in Saturday’s 4-1 win against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand believes Matic has played a vital role in helping Pogba to produce his some dominant attacking performances.
“He gets criticism for his deficiencies when he’s defending,” Ferdinand told Premier League Tonight on BT Sport.
“He hasn’t been brought here to do that – that’s why Nemanja Matic is here. He’s been brought here to create things.
“He’s got the personality and the mental strength – ‘give me the ball, and I’ll create for this team’.”
Manchester United haven’t won the Premier League title since 2013.
