OLE: MATIC IN THE FORM OF HIS LIFE

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer paired Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba together for the first time for Manchester United, but it was Nemanja Matic who caught the manager’s eye in midfield against Sheffield United.

The Reds ran out 3-0 winners on our return to Old Trafford and January transfer window buy Fernandes and Pogba, who has been recovering from injury since the Portuguese's arrival, was the dream ticket Reds' fans were desperate to see as they came together for the first time in the engine room.

But Matic, who turns 32 in August, was key in the Reds' midfield triangle and has featured strongly in 2020.

“Nemanja is playing some of his best football. He’s had a good pre-season for the first time in many, many years and today he was dictating the game and his experience is vital for us,” said Ole in his post-match press conference.

“I’m very, very happy that we’re seeing the best of Nemanja and he’ll be important for us and then of course it’s down to performances and if Nemanja wants to stay but at the moment he’s in great form.”

Matic joined United from Chelsea in 2017 and his deal with the club was extended until 2021 in March.

The Serbian was delighted with the make-up of the United midfield against the Blades, with the Reds controlling the game from start to finish.

“It is always good to play with top players and we are lucky we have top players in every position. Tonight I played with Bruno and Paul and we did really well,” said the former Benfica man.

“It was a good formation and I am sure in the future we can improve a lot together also with Scott (McTominay) and Fred when they play with us.”

While United’s midfield was eye-catching it was Anthony Martial who grabbed the headlines with his first-ever professional hat trick.

“I am especially happy for Anthony scoring his first hat trick. It is very important for him to score goals,” said Nemanja.

“It is important for every striker for confidence. I am happy that our strikers are in good condition and for me Anthony was man of the match. He used almost every chance he had to score.

“Let us see in the future what he can do for us but I am happy for him and congratulations to him.”