18/08/2017 08:40, Report by Mark Froggatt

Manchester United summer signing Nemanja Matic is confident he and Paul Pogba can become a formidable central midfield partnership that will bring the best out of one another. 

Matic joined from rivals Chelsea in early August and has quickly impressed supporters with his industrious performances, particularly in the 4-0 Premier League win over West Ham United at Old Trafford when he claimed the club’s Man of the Match award with 74 per cent of votes cast by fans.

The Serbian is an expert in that defensive midfield position and many people believe his arrival will permit Pogba to enjoy a more attacking role in the team, which certainly appeared evident against the Hammers when the Frenchman notched his first goal of the season with a late finish.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Swansea City and the Liberty Stadium, MUTV sat down with Matic to discuss his new partnership with Pogba and how much he is enjoying the alliance.

“I think we play together very well,” he told us. “We help each other. I have to say he played good in attack and also helped a lot when we were defending. He always played next to me. We are there on the pitch to fight for each other. We will continue like this and I’m happy to have him in the team.”

READY FOR SWANSEA

Matic also spoke to us about the test of facing Swansea in Wales, as well as his former Chelsea team-mate Tammy Abraham. “We know this is just the beginning,” he said. “The season is long and we have a difficult game on Saturday. We have to focus on that. It’s always hard to win at that stadium, they are a good team and we watched some videos of them. They have good players and also a good coach. I expect a hard game for us but we are Manchester and we know what we have to do.

“Tammy is a big talent. I remember him from Chelsea. If he continues to work like this and grow up like this, he can be a great striker. He’s already a good striker but he can still improve. He is always dangerous as he’s very quick with his long legs. I think he will be a great striker in the future.”

MY FIRST UNITED AWAY

Having experienced Old Trafford as a United player for the first time, Matic is impressed by the club’s supporters and is looking forward to playing in front of the hardcore away fans in Wales.

“I think Manchester United fans are amazing. I saw Old Trafford and know that they really love the club and support us during 90 minutes. I think away, they’re even better. When I played against Manchester, I could feel they are good and always support so I’m looking forward to that game.”