Nemanja Matic emphasises importance of momentum

The Reds have put together a run of three victories in all competitions since losing the campaign opener to Crystal Palace, with a spot in the last-eight of the Carabao Cup already secured.

However, the 32-year-old knows that he and his team-mates will have to extend that sequence further – starting with Tottenham on Sunday – if we hope to challenge for silverware at home and in Europe in 2020/21.

“I always like to say the team who is fighting for the title needs to have that run always of five or six games before you drop some points, that’s normal, no team can win every game,” Matic told club media.

“We’ve already dropped some points at home in the first game so now we need to make a run of five or six games winning, winning, winning because then we will have a chance to win some trophies. That’s exactly how we finished last season.

“We know what we did well and we have to practice that and try to repeat that again so we have more belief and more confidence to go into the next games.”

United will be looking for a first clean sheet in the Premier League this season, after conceding five goals in those opening two fixtures.

Matic missed out on the first of those games, but, although he explains that his inclusion in midfield helps give the XI balance, he also insists defending is the responsibility of the whole team.

“I think everybody has to defend. As I said football is a team sport,” the Serbian added.

“When you concede a goal, not only does the goalkeeper and defenders concede it, everyone needs to take responsibility. And also when we score everyone is involved.

“We have to start the action from the back - we defend together and we attack together.

“In my position my job is more to help give the balance to the team especially when we defend and we will all take responsibility.”

The new season is here. Our 2020/21 home, away and third kits are available now from United Direct.