Nemanja Matic has been speaking to club media ahead of an important run of matches as Manchester United attempt to turn their season around, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer feeling the pressure more than ever since taking charge at Old Trafford.
The Reds return to action on Saturday with a trip to Vicarage Road before facing Villarreal, Chelsea and Arsenal over the course of just nine days. A good run is vital if United aim to reach this season’s expectations because anything less could see us fall out of a potential title race before it even begins.
Our objective when the season began was to mount a title challenge and we currently look like a side that will be battling for the top four spots. It’s nowhere near good enough after the signings we made in the summer.
Moreover, Solskjaer’s job may become untenable if United struggle over the next four games, however, Stretty News understands that the Glazers are still backing the Norwegian despite reports linking Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers to the job.
The former Liverpool manager has denied that talks are ongoing.
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Matic says it’s important to start the week with a win to help build momentum which we’ve been unable to do since hammering Leeds United on the opening day of the season.
“We have a very difficult match against Watford then after that with Villarreal away and then Chelsea,” he told ManUtd.com.
“Very busy and it’s important to start the week with a win… it’s very important to build momentum, game by game, especially now because Christmas is coming, Boxing Day as you know is always busy for us. Lot of games so we have to be ready for that.”
A very difficult match against Watford… Really?
They are 16th in the Premier League, so there is no excuse for United to struggle on Saturday.
We should be demanding a win as well as a strong performance.
Matic added: “It’s always important to use the international break to rest, to recover the body and to be ready for the next challenges.
“As you know, the Premier League is very hard, plus we have Champions League, FA Cup [in January], so it’s a very tough schedule for us in the next couple of months so I rest very well and then I’m fresh and motivated to continue.”
Ultimately, it’s going to be need more than momentum to get our season back on track. United have looked miles off the pace against the bigger teams in the Premier League yet this season the aim was the bridge that gap.
It’s only heading one way if the shortcomings continue.
