Manchester United announce signing of Chelsea midfielder

 

Manchester United have announced they have signed Nemanja Matic from Premier League rivals Chelsea on a three-year deal with an option to a further 12 months.

 

Matic has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer after turning down the chance to extend his stay at Chelsea in favour of a reunion with Jose Mourinho.

 

Juventus also wanted the Serbia international but Matic has instead opted to stay in the Premier League and has now completed a deal worth an initial £35m, which could rise to £40m with performance related add-ons.

 

“Nemanja is a Manchester United player and a Jose Mourinho player,” Mourinho told the club’s official website. “He represents everything we want in a footballer; loyalty, consistency, ambition, team player.

 

“I would like to thank him for his desire to join us because without that, it would be impossible to have him here. I am sure our players and supporters will love him. A big welcome to our new number 31.”

 

 

United looked to have shot themselves in the foot in their pursuit of Matic after hi-jacking Chelsea’s deal for Romelu Lukaku earlier this summer, but Mourinho’s side have successfully resurrected the transfer.

 

Since returning to the Premier League in January 2014, Matic has won possession in the middle third of the pitch more times than any other player (506).