Man Utd 'blindsided' by Nemanja Matic announcement with summer transfer plans affected

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has ‘blindsided’ the club by announcing he will depart the club at the end of the campaign.

The Serbian ace is one of the most experienced players at the club, having played for the Red Devils since his £40m move from Chelsea in the summer of 2017. While Matic won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup over the course of two spells at the Blues, his time at United will end trophyless.

Despite the expectant arrival of Erik ten Hag, the 33-year-old midfield general has decided to end his United career at the end of the campaign to avoid triggering an automatic extension in his contract. And this news is said to have rocked Old Trafford officials who are now severely lacking in defensive midfielders.

"After a great deal of thought, I have decided that this season will be my last with Manchester United,” Matic said on Instagram. “I have informed the board, the manager and the players of my decision.

"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." According to the Manchester Evening News, Matic’s exit has caused huge shockwaves as club officials expected him to remain at the club until the summer of 2023. Moreover, a specialist defensive midfielder is now expected to become the Red Devil's main transfer priority when the summer transfer window opens.

Paul Pogba is also set to depart the club for nothing when his current deal expires at the end of the season. The Frenchman had been locked in contract talks with the Reds since the summer transfer window, when he was