Nemanja Matic’s revival leaves Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a big decision to make on his Manchester United future

Since returning to the starting line-up at the end of last month, Matic has been Manchester United’s most reliable midfielder and sometimes their most expansive and creative one too

(AP)

It was a mixed night for Nemanja Matic. The fourth goal of his Old Trafford career was followed by its second red card and despite technically becoming a Manchester derby match-winner this was, to all intents and purposes, a defeat. But it was at least another display which suggested that he still has something to offer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Since returning to the starting line-up at the end of last month, Matic has been Manchester United’s most reliable midfielder and sometimes their most expansive and creative one too. Despite his sending off for a second bookable offence, Solskjaer picked him out as Wednesday’s man-of-the-match and bemoaned the “absolute joke” of a red card which will see him suspended on Saturday. His absence will be felt against Wolves.

Matic’s future is uncertain, though, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season. United have the option of extending his terms by another 12 months but there is no guarantee it will be triggered. At 31-years-old and after nearly three years with the club, he is open to other opportunities and will not stay if he is not wanted. Matic publicly admitted at the start of the January window that he was waiting to see what the month ahead would bring.

Little has changed. Solskjaer’s public stance on Matic may appeared to have softened at the start of this week, when he said he was playing “the best football of his career” and that the club is “keeping in touch” and “talking to him”, but the player seemed to contradict that on Wednesday night when he said that there had been no discussions with United about extending his stay as of yet.

“I’ve got a contract until the end of the season,” Matic added. “We will see. I’m at Carrington every day open to talk if they think I can help. If not, life will go on. For sure, there is always a solution.” He did, at least, say he would like to stay. “Of course. It’s a pleasure to represent this club for me. I came here to win and if they want me to stay then of course I’ll give my best to win trophies.”

But other clubs are interested, as Matic confirmed. “I can’t tell who is asking for me but for sure when you play at Manchester United, many clubs are looking to sign you,” he said. “That’s not only me, it’s for every player – especially when you’re out of contract. My first option is Manchester United but if they decide something else then there are always solutions.”

It would be wrong to pretend that Matic has always impressed during his time at Old Trafford and a decision on his future should not be based on a month’s worth of a decent performances, let alone Wednesday night. There have been plenty of times when he has felt older than his 31 years. His lack of pace needs to be accounted for in Solskjaer’s counter-attacking set-up and he can look vulnerable against energetic, high pressing opposition.

But over the last month, he has proven himself capable of providing adequate, every-so-often cover for the injured Scott McTominay, the improving Fred and – for now – Paul Pogba. Solskjaer is planning to oversee an expensive squad rebuild this summer and – even after the addition of Bruno Fernandes, who is likely to play as a No 10 – there are other positions further up the pitch which require greater attention than defensive midfield.

Money may be better spent there than on a Matic replacement. The Serbian is not the solution to United’s problems but he is not the source of them either. He can, every now and again, even act as a corrective. His fate appeared to be sealed only a month ago, and a summer departure is still very much on the table, but Matic has now given Solskjaer a decision to make.