Manchester United 1-0 Kristiansund: Three Red Devils who failed to impress in narrow win

Nemanja Matic

Nemanja Matic.

Manchester United splashed more than €40 million to hijack the Serbian from Chelsea. However, Nemanja Matic's brilliance has not lasted last long at United. The 31-year-old had an impressive debut season with United, making 35 starting appearances and led the team to a second-place finish.

Unfortunately, critics have relentlessly slammed the midfielder since United's abysmal 2018/19 season. He was well off the pace and gave the ball at times in this game. His downward trend has continued in United pre-season games which will be a cause for concern for the coach and the medio was ponderous and overly wasteful in possession against Kristiansund.

Former coach Jose Mourinho had brought Matic to Old Trafford.

He looked like the shadow of his former self and was unable to get into the game. Scott McTominay pretty much outshined him throughout the match. Thus, Matic will surely lose his place to the 22-year-old if this situation persists. The former Chelsea star has now past his 30, and it could be no surprise if United want to offload him even before the new season begins.

Scott McTominay had a better game than the Serbian and could become an automatic first-team choice.