Nemanja Matic says Manchester United can build on the positive energy around Old Trafford on Saturday as the Reds beat Newcastle 4-1.
He said (as per Manchester Evening News): “It was exciting, hopefully we’re going to continue to do the same job and try to win some trophies this season [for the fans].
“It was fantastic [the atmosphere]. Obviously, [Cristiano] Ronaldo brings some positive energy to the stadium again. They deserve all the best.
“He has the quality to score goals from every position, I think he will be a very good addition to our squad.
“I think we have a great attack. We also have a great balance between experience and young players, so I think we have everything in the team. We need to use that.
“Healthy competition is always good. You need competition to win trophies so I’m very happy.
“We will play every three days, so we have a big squad, we have to use that. I think everyone is ready, excited, motivated. I can’t see any reason why we won’t be a success this season.”
There was a debate about how Manchester United would play with Cristiano Ronaldo returning to the side. The biggest question was who would partner Paul Pogba in midfield, and that position was given to Nemanja Matic over Donny van de Beek.
Matic showed the plusses and minuses with quick classy passing and the slower legs which seldomly gave way for Newcastle to overrun through the middle. The difference now is we have so many attacking players that we can risk it up a bit.
The visitors did their best to keep the scoreline respectable – from wasting time 20 minutes into the game when it was 0-0 to soaking pressure before unleashing counter-attacks (one which resulted in their only goal of the evening).
It will be interesting to see how much football Matic plays this week, on the back of his display against Newcastle, because he is probably one of the better partners for Pogba in the squad.
The return of the Champions League on Tuesday night might spark an opportunity for Donny van de Beek.
