Erik ten Hag wanted to keep Man Utd midfielder

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was reportedly keen on keeping Nemanja Matic at the club for another season.

The Serbia international made the choice to leave the Red Devils this summer, but it appears Ten Hag wanted to reverse his decision.

According to Manchester Evening News, the Dutch tactician preferred Matic to continue for at least another year before moving on.

The 52-year-old valued the midfielder's Premier League experience, but United were unable to change the plans of the 33-year-old.

Matic has spent the majority of his playing career in England, but he is now set to experience a fresh challenge, having joined Roma.

After playing under manager Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and United, he chose to reunite with the Portuguese head coach at the Giallorossi.

The move could work out well for him. He is set to be assured regular minutes while the Italian top-flight could suit his playing style.

The Serie A is more tactical and less intense than the Premier League.