Manchester United supporters have shared their gratitude to Nemanja Matic as the dust continues to settle on his shock announcement. Matic has confirmed he will leave Old Trafford at the end of this campaign.
A Premier League winner with Chelsea, the experienced Serbian, 33, has played 183 games for United in all competitions after they signed him five years ago. Matic has appeared 26 times this term and he was part of the starting line-up last time out against Everton.
His decision comes as United are set to prioritise central midfield signings when the transfer window reopens. They were already looking to land at least one recruit in that position, while Matic has thrown a further complication into the mix in that regard.
READ MORE: Nemanja Matic announces he is leaving Manchester United in shock statement
Matic is set to be followed out of the door by Paul Pogba at the end of his contract. In the short-term, though, he will be needed to ease an injury crisis for United with Ralf Rangnick confirming that Fred and Scott McTominay are not yet fit enough to return from injury.
In part of a statement posted on social media platform Instagram, the Serbian said: "It has been a huge honour and a privilege to play for this great club. A big thank you to the fans for their unwavering support.
"I will now give everything until the end of the season to help my teammates finish as strongly as possible."
Reaction to Matic has been generally positive, although some supporters are questioning where his decision leaves the club in terms of their plans for next season. Here is a selection of comments taken from Twitter;
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