Ranking the 3 best choices for Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic's next club

2. AC Milan

AC Milan Franck Kessie

A club that have appeared to be in a state of constant decline for nearly a decade now, AC Milan are still doing their utter best to reinstate their status as Champions League regulars but have, so far, only been met by failure. Yet, they go into the January transfer window with some sense of optimism in order to try and strengthen their squad. Nemanja Matic, as it happens to be the case, is reportedly one of the leading names on their wishlist.

What Matic could offer Milan under Stefano Pioli is simple: a commanding, physical presence in the #6 role to anchor the base of the midfield. The problem, though, is that Matic is nowhere close to being the no-nonsense defensive midfielder he once was, anchoring Chelsea to 2 Premier League titles.

Playing time wouldn't be as much of a concern as the Serbian midfielder would offer Milan's relatively young midfield duo of Ismael Bennacer and Franck Kessie a certain amount of protection as well as guidance off the pitch. This is also not considering the versatile yet injury-prone Giacomo Bonaventura's presence. Considering the inexperience there is in this Milan midfield, Matic could present a better option due to his experience.

Franck Kessie

With Lucas Paqueta said to be interesting Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, Milan could replace the outgoing Brazilian with Matic and he could be the defensive midfielder that could help shore up Milan's porous backline.

Yet, considering that Milan are likely to offer Matic a bigger role should they register their interest in the player, they should do so at their own peril as this is a move that could backfire significantly, given the Serb's visible decline over the last few years.

From the player's perspective, though, it is a great move. Certainty about minutes on the pitch, a respectable role in the side and what is assumed to be a decent paycheck could tick all the right boxes.

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