Matic: I am not in the squad to give Pogba freedom to roam

Manchester United new signing Nemanja Matic has dismissed suggestions he was bought to give his clubs record signing Paul Pogba the freedom to roam or do whatever he wants.

The off-season recruit from Chelsea who impressed at the base of midfield for United in their opening day 4-0 victory over Westham United completed a timely interception to trigger the counter-attack that led to Lukaku’s first goal.

“It was a really important game for us to start well and win the three points against a good side,” he told Sky Sports.

“They [West Ham] were very compact, but there was more space after the first goal.

“I am very happy for the team, we started well and will take the three points. [In the] next game we will start with more confidence.”

Asked if he has been purchased to allow Paul Pogba, scorer of United’s fourth in injury time, to get forward more often, Matic replied: “No, he [Mourinho] said I have to do my job and he [Pogba] has to do his job.

“Not only Pogba [had] a good game, everyone played very well. 4-0 against a good team, we have to continue to work like this, to play like this.”