Rio Ferdinand makes Nemanja Matic transfer prediction despite Manchester United form

Rio Ferdinand doesn't believe Nemanja Matic will be involved in Manchester United's squad next season, despite impressing in recent games.

The midfielder earned a place in Ralf Rangnick's starting line-up on Saturday against Watford, having impressed after coming off the bench against Atletico Madrid in midweek. Despite a disappointing performance from United, Matic proved to be one of the few plus points as he once again stood out.

Yet time would appear to be against the Serbian international. At 33, he is nearer the end of his career than the start of it, and with United looking to make improvements in midfield in the summer, Matic's place in the side doesn't look assured.

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The former Chelsea man is under contract at Old Trafford until June 2023, but former United defender Ferdinand does not expect him to play a part once a new permanent manager is appointed in the summer.

"He's a very good footballer in that position," Ferdinand told the Vibe With Five podcast. "Very simple, understands the role very well, covers spaces, he's physical enough, big enough to handle the physical demands.

"I really like him, I respect him as a player, but he's at the wrong end in terms of age and that profile of player.

"I think he's got till the end of this season, and I'd be surprised if he's still in the squad next season. Just based on the age of what he is and where he is in his career.

"But he's a great servant to football, done a marvellous job and a great player."

Plenty of midfielders are on United's radar ahead of a possible summer transfer, most notably West Ham's Declan Rice is admired byt the club's recruitment team.

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