Nemanja Matic, the Serbian midfielder formerly of Manchester United, has delivered a scathing critique of the club's management, echoing sentiments previously voiced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic. After joining United hoping to expand his trophy haul, Matic reflects on his disappointing tenure in an exclusive interview.

After celebrating Premier League victories with Chelsea, Matic arrived at Old Trafford for £40 million, fueled by ambition and a desire for glory under manager Jose Mourinho. However, the stark reality of a trophy-less five years soon set in, leaving Matic disillusioned.

'Commercial Minded' Glazers Get a Battering

Now preparing to face his former club with Lyon in the Europa League, Matic candidly shared his frustrations. He noted the difference in ethos between Chelsea and United, emphasizing that, "At Chelsea, everything revolved around winning, even down to the groundskeeper. However, at United, it felt much more about commercial interests."

Matic lamented the shift in focus from victory to profit, revealing that while he was ready to battle for silverware, he sensed that trophies were not the club’s priority. "After a couple of months, I felt like results took a backseat," he asserted, highlighting how the emphasis on business overshadowed the glory of the game.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Parallel Concerns

Matic isn't alone in voicing discontent; the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic also criticized Manchester United’s culture during his time there. The charismatic forward, who left an indelible mark in the Premier League, expressed his disbelief over trivial monetary charges, stating, "Can you believe it? A quid for a drink? That kind of detail earns respect, and it just wouldn't happen in Italy."

The disapproval extends further, with former manager Louis van Gaal condemning United as a ‘commercial club’. Van Gaal advised that coaching at Manchester United poses challenges due to its off-field priorities, urging potential managers to seek out clubs focused on the sport.

As the debate surrounding Manchester United's direction continues, Matic’s comments serve as a pivotal reminder of the club’s struggles to regain its winning legacy amidst rising commercial pressures.