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Nemanja Matic’s performance against West Ham received widespread praise

Published 17:50 13 Aug 2017 BST

Robert Redmond
Nemanja Matic’s performance against West Ham received widespread praise

Homesport

Welcome to Matic, Manchester.

Manchester United kicked off their Premier League campaign with an impressive 4-0 victory at home to West Ham United on Sunday, and their new signings began their Old Trafford careers in some style. Romelu Lukaku got two goals, and Nemanja Matic got the plaudits. Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba also scored. Lukaku scored either side of half-time with two well executed efforts. The Belgian striker began his United career in perfect style. However, such was his performance, most people were talking about Matic. The Serbian midfielder joined United from Chelsea earlier this month in a deal that left many perplexed, including Antonio Conte. The Chelsea manager, like a lot of observers, couldn't understand why the Premier League champions sanctioned Matic's sale to a direct rival. Matic showed Conte and Chelsea what they were missing at Old Trafford, particularly in the first half. He was everywhere, and the best player on the pitch at times. The 29-year-old was excellent in possession, providing a calming influence for others, he rarely lost the ball and linked up well with his teammates. He played an important part in United's opening goal, winning the ball in midfield and helping the team break, before Lukaku finished. This type of goal, where Matic wins the ball and United counter attack and score, could be a regular occurrence this season. It's early days, but it already looks like Matic will prove to be an intelligent signing for Jose Mourinho. A lot of people were impressed by his performance. https://twitter.com/fizzer18/status/896753694657662976 https://twitter.com/samuelluckhurst/status/896758303782580224 https://twitter.com/Joey7Barton/status/896765973562359809 https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/896762167478951936 https://twitter.com/sistoney67/status/896759202147971072 https://twitter.com/JBurtTelegraph/status/896760301336637441 https://twitter.com/JOE_co_uk/status/896758585555910657 https://twitter.com/sampilger/status/896757339969159168 https://twitter.com/liam11/status/896758226640941057 https://twitter.com/Higginbotham05/status/896758385017860100 https://twitter.com/BBCMOTD/status/896762084045795330