On Friday, José Mourinho opened up about the summer deal that brought the highly coveted Nemanja Matic  to Old Trafford. Juventus had long been interested in the former Serbian international, but Manchester United surpassed the competition. 

 

"I was very surprised when I received his agent's call. He had contacted me to ask me if I wanted Nemanja," Mourinho explained to Sky Sports UK's microphones. "He's a lawyer I know well, he's usually very direct, and does not try to increase the number of clubs involved in raising the salary of his players. So, when he told me ' you can have him, if you want,' I answered ' certainly.’”

 

For the fee of €44.7 million, the defensive midfielder went from rival Chelsea to Manchester United over the summer. Without him, Antonio Conte’s team has suffered tremendously as they’ve stumbled in both the Premier League and Champions League. Conte’s former club could also use his services now as the Bianconeri have conceded an unusually high number of goals this campaign.