Nemanja Matic has publicly backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's decision to invest in young players despite his philosophy impacting his own career.
Matic was handed his first Premier League start of the season in Manchester United's 1-0 win over Leicester at the weekend as Solskjaer has decided to put his faith in Scott McTominay.
With Paul Pogba injured, Matic was given the opportunity to line up alongside McTominay in United's engine room after starting on the bench in the four previous league games.
And despite his apparent demotion, Matic is backing Solskjaer to continue to field youngsters if they are good enough.
The 31-year-old, speaking to Manchester Evening News, said: 'I think in this season the people from the club they can see who is ready to play already in a high level.
'It doesn't matter if they are 18 or 25 or 35 we can see who is ready and who is not and who will be important for the future. I am happy for them. I like to see young players on the pitch and hopefully they can bring us some fresh energy for the rest of the season.
'I don't believe in age, good players or bad players. It doesn't matter if you are 18 or 35, so I think who played today deserved to play.
'The most important thing was the team took three points and what we did today is great and I am happy for the young players, they get the opportunity to play here, it’s not always the case in big clubs, and Manchester United is giving opportunities to the guys who grew up here in the academy.
'And that’s good because in big clubs they don’t always get opportunities because of the pressure and the results and because everyone wants to win.'
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (21), Andreas Pereira (23), Scott McTominay (22), Daniel James (21) and Marcus Rashford (21) all started on Saturday.
Solskjaer also had a youthful bench with Axel Tuanzebe (21) and Tahith Chong (19) both coming on.
Zahbceprt
0
Matic and Mata are too slow to keep pace in Epl he should only play cup games. Fred will sure partner McSauce , he's been one of the most consistent players of late
mata can stay bro. he's playing like paul scholes. speed isn't the main requirement for this playstyle
cimcdmopy
0
"I am happy for them". I will also cry 😭, for the manager's decision to play them.
And you will not stop crying, in the name of football ⚽ godss. 😂😂😂 oya start
Dsare
0
Matic and Mata are too slow to keep pace in Epl he should only play cup games. Fred will sure partner McSauce , he's been one of the most consistent players of late
not sure you watch our matches
Hepbcdes
0
Matic and Mata are too slow to keep pace in Epl he should only play cup games. Fred will sure partner McSauce , he's been one of the most consistent players of late
if u say Mata then I disagree with you
Charlieputh
8
that Andreas perierra is not good enough.
Vezonic22
1
But where is thy own faith Matic? Seem like you're losing it man.
Rebbdlmptu
1
Matic may say this but I believe young players always need back up. meaning we need experience as well. especially when it comes to big games. I hope Ole can realise that soon. Fred should be playing, it's a talent being wasted.
Rebbdlmptu
1
Matic may say this but I believe young players always need back up. meaning we need experience as well. especially when it comes to big games. I hope Ole can realise that soon. Fred should be playing.
Kondwani1234
2
Nemanja Matic is a good player And when Paul returns from injury I believe the partnership must continue, Paul and Nemaj play better together and Scot also will suit in the central three.....
Dsare
3
Matic and Mata are too slow to keep pace in Epl he should only play cup games. Fred will sure partner McSauce , he's been one of the most consistent players of late
ishti
3
"I am happy for them". I will also cry 😭, for the manager's decision to play them.
jubaer420
5
matic first told that young players dosnt bring trophys , experience does...after then he lost his place in XI and rumored to be sold..now he saving his ass by praising ole.. i think matic was right...little bit experience and young energy brings trophys