Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has reignited debate over the club’s direction, claiming they prioritised commercial success over silverware.
The Red Devils will take on Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.
Now playing for Lyon, Matic – who also previously played for Chelsea – suggested the London club had a much stronger “winning culture” in comparison.
“The difference I felt after Chelsea was that, at Chelsea, everything was about the result and winning trophies,” Matic told The Athletic.
“That was the spirit in the whole club, even from the man who cuts the grass. Roman Abramovich would only ask us about results.
“At United, it was more commercial-minded. I started to think that after a couple of months in the club. I understand that our salary needs to be paid, but I felt that the results were not the focus like it was at Chelsea.
“I maybe did two commercial jobs at Chelsea, at United it was far more. I arrived at United with the anger to win trophies like I had at Chelsea, but step by step I started to feel that trophies were not the focus. Maybe I’m not right, but that was my feeling inside.”
Despite his criticism, Matic was quick to add that he still enjoyed his time at Old Trafford.
His comments come as Manchester United navigate a new era under the partial ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.
While supporters had hoped for a renewed focus on footballing success, Matic noted that since the ownership change, the emphasis appears to be more on cost-cutting than on improving performance.
