Top 5 signings made by Premier League sides based on stats and performances

#3 Nemanja Matic

Nemanja Matic's presence in midfield has been key for United

Nemanja Matic was a fan-favourite the moment his transfer was announced, like any big money signing from a direct title rival. The manager's reliable ally, Matic has worked his way into the fans with various solid performances, enhancing the reputation of Serbians named Nemanja amongst the Old Trafford faithful.

Matic is at the base of every Manchester United move. His exceptional reading of the game helps him complement the work of the defensive unit and to break down attacks before they begin, while his wonderful range of passing helps shift the pace of play in United's favour and to start counterattacks with passes that unlock defences.

Matic has a mean left foot that can drive the ball in with searing power (Tottenham felt it's punch in the FA Cup Semi-Final last term) meaning that he can provide the option of some effective long-range shooting too and considering the fact that the creative talents of the likes of Mkhitaryan and Mata haven't been very consistent in making an opening in the attacking third, this can prove useful especially against defensively compact opposition who like to sit deep and soak up the pressure.

Matic is a manager's dream, and Chelsea's struggles at the centre of the park to find an adequate replacement for Matic and Antonio Conte's outburst on Matic's sale shows how valuable the Serb is and how good an addition he is to the Manchester United artillery.