Nemanja Matic has claimed that Manchester United were predominantly “commercial-minded” during his time at Old Trafford.
The Serbia international has enjoyed an impressive career which has seen him represent a range of clubs across Europe.
As well as stints at the likes of Benfica, Roma and current club Lyon, the 36-year-old has spent spells with Premier League giants Chelsea and Man United.
Accumulating a total of 343 appearances for the two teams, Matic is well placed to comment on the state of affairs at both clubs before they were taken over by different owners.
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What has Matic had to say?
In a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic, Matic has given his perception of the mentality behind the scenes at both clubs under Roman Abramovich and the Glazer family.
While Matic has suggested that the only thing that mattered at Stamford Bridge was winning and lifting trophies, he has suggested that key United figures were more interested in their commercial position.
He said: “The difference I felt after Chelsea was that, at Chelsea, everything was about the result and winning trophies. That was the spirit in the whole club, even from the man who cuts the grass.
“Roman Abramovich would only ask us about results. At United, it was more commercial-minded. I started to think that after a couple of months in the club.
“I understand that our salary needs to be paid, but I felt that the results were not the focus like it was at Chelsea. I maybe did two commercial jobs at Chelsea, at United it was far more.
“I arrived at United with the anger to win trophies like I had at Chelsea, but step by step I started to feel that trophies were not the focus. Maybe I’m not right, but that was my feeling inside.”
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Matic preparing for Man United reunion
Matic, who has made 32 appearances for Lyon this campaign, is currently preparing to face United in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Ahead of Thursday’s first leg in France, Matic has become embroiled in a war of words with United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
