Manchester United's Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic has extended his contract at Old Trafford through to June 2023, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/premier-league">Premier League</a> club said in a statement&nbsp;<a href="https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/nemanja-matic-signs-new-contract-with-manchester-united-to-2023">here</a>&nbsp;on Monday.

The 31-year-old, who joined United in 2017, has enjoyed a dramatic improvement in form as the team’s enforcer since the January arrival of Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes.

“I am delighted that Nemanja has signed a new contract, I know his experience, professionalism and leadership will be invaluable to this young talented group,” United manager Old Gunnar Solskjaer said.

“He remains hugely ambitious and determined which will be vital as we look to achieve our aims over the coming years.”

United are unbeaten in their last 16 matches in all competitions and, apart from chasing a top-four finish in the Premier League, the are also still in contention to win the FA Cup and the Europa League.

Having rediscovered his holding midfield qualities alongside Fernandes and Frenchman Paul Pogba, who is back from a long-term injury, Matic said he was looking forward to fresh challenges.

Manchester United's Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic has extended his contract at Old Trafford through to June 2023, the Premier League club said in a statement here on Monday.

Manchester United's Serbia midfielder Nemanja Matic has extended his contract at Old Trafford through to June 2023, the Premier League club said in a statement here on Monday. The 31-year-old, who joined United in 2017, has enjoyed a dramatic improvement in form as the team’s enforcer since the January arrival of Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes. “I am delighted that Nemanja has signed a new contract, I know his experience, professionalism and leadership will be invaluable to this young talented group,” United manager Old Gunnar Solskjaer said. “He remains hugely ambitious and determined which will be vital as we look to achieve our aims over the coming years.” United are unbeaten in their last 16 matches in all competitions and, apart from chasing a top-four finish in the Premier League, the are also still in contention to win the FA Cup and the Europa League. Having rediscovered his holding midfield qualities alongside Fernandes and Frenchman Paul Pogba, who is back from a long-term injury, Matic said he was looking forward to fresh challenges.

Matic extends Manchester United contract until 2023

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has defender Novak Djokovic for hosting the controversial Adria Tour where a number of players, including Djokovic himself, tested positive for COVID-19. While widespread criticism has since followed Djokovic, the Manchester United footballer has defended his Serbian counterpart as he said he didn't do something wrong.

Djokovic along with his coach Goran Ivanisevic and players Borna Coric, Grigor Dimitrov and Viktor Troicki were tested positive for coronavirus after the completion of events in Serbia and Croatia. While the events saw packed grounds with no social distancing measures in place. Even players were seen partying in a nightclub to celebrate the events.

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<h2>Before that tournament, there was a game with 20,000 people and nobody said anything about that: Matic</h2>

“People need to understand that the situation in Serbia was better than here (in England). The country allowed everyone to do whatever they want, everything was open, the shopping centres and the restaurants,” Matic told Sky Sports.

“So they started to live normal lives because our country was closed for three months completely. You were not allowed to walk on the street, you couldn’t leave your home, so it was different (than England).”

While some exhibition events have been played behind closed doors, the Adria Tour attracted jam-packed crowd, mainly due to the big-name players participating in the tournament.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/itf-official-slams-novak-djokovics-father-for-accusing-grigor-dimitrov-of-spreading-covid-19-into-tennis-world-308783" hreflang="en">ITF official slams Novak Djokovic's father for accusing Grigor Dimitrov of spreading COVID-19 into tennis world</a>

“When they opened they said, ‘you are more than free to do whatever you want’,” Matic added.&nbsp;

“Before that tournament, there was a game with 20,000 people and nobody said anything about that.

“I just wanted to say that it is not his fault that he made the tournament, he just wanted to help the players play competitions. I don’t see that he (did) something wrong.” 
&nbsp;

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has defender Novak Djokovic for hosting the controversial Adria Tour where a number of players, including Djokovic himself, tested positive for COVID-19.

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has defender Novak Djokovic for hosting the controversial Adria Tour where a number of players, including Djokovic himself, tested positive for COVID-19. While widespread criticism has since followed Djokovic, the Manchester United footballer has defended his Serbian counterpart as he said he didn't do something wrong. Djokovic along with his coach Goran Ivanisevic and players Borna Coric, Grigor Dimitrov and Viktor Troicki were tested positive for coronavirus after the completion of events in Serbia and Croatia. While the events saw packed grounds with no social distancing measures in place. Even players were seen partying in a nightclub to celebrate the events. OPINION: Novak Djokovic's faulty serve to the tennis world Before that tournament, there was a game with 20,000 people and nobody said anything about that: Matic “People need to understand that the situation in Serbia was better than here (in England). The country allowed everyone to do whatever they want, everything was open, the shopping centres and the restaurants,” Matic told Sky Sports. “So they started to live normal lives because our country was closed for three months completely. You were not allowed to walk on the street, you couldn’t leave your home, so it was different (than England).” While some exhibition events have been played behind closed doors, the Adria Tour attracted jam-packed crowd, mainly due to the big-name players participating in the tournament. ALSO READ: ITF official slams Novak Djokovic's father for accusing Grigor Dimitrov of spreading COVID-19 into tennis world “When they opened they said, ‘you are more than free to do whatever you want’,” Matic added. “Before that tournament, there was a game with 20,000 people and nobody said anything about that. “I just wanted to say that it is not his fault that he made the tournament, he just wanted to help the players play competitions. I don’t see that he (did) something wrong.”

It is not his fault: Manchester United's Nemanja Matic defends Novak Djokovic for organising ill-fated Adria Tour

Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic, the only two players to escape criticism from manager Jose Mourinho this week, scored the goals that carried Manchester United through to the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Brighton at Old Trafford.

Lukaku struck after 37 minutes although his 25th goal of the season owed everything to the delivery by team-mate Matic who sent over a far-post cross which hung invitingly for the Belgian international.&nbsp;

As he has so often this season, Lukaku powered past his marker Lewis Dunk before forcing the ball in with a header from almost point-blank range.

And seven minutes from time, Matic rose in convincing fashion to meet Ashley Young&rsquo;s pinpoint free-kick and head in a goal that finally killed off a strong second-half showing from the visitors.

Mourinho had used his pre-match press conference on Friday to launch an impassioned defence of his reign as United manager, in which he had hinted broadly that a number of his players had not been performing consistently this season - with only Lukaku and Matic singled out for praise.

Coincidentally or not, the United manager left two of his biggest signings, Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez, out of his starting line-up despite the FA Cup being his club&rsquo;s only hope of silverware this season following the disappointing midweek loss to Sevilla in the Champions League.

A flurry of snow before kick-off made sure the game kicked off in difficult conditions, and it was the half-hour mark before Brighton&rsquo;s defence was remotely troubled when Juan Mata played a series of sharp passes with Anthony Martial to open up a shooting opportunity which was deflected behind for a corner.

Mata took the set-piece himself, which ended with Tim Krul turning Chris Smalling&#39;s shot against the post.

Brighton missed a rare chance before the break when Pascal Gross&#39;s corner picked out Dunk, who had lost his marker Scott McTominay, and his powerful effort was well saved by Sergio Romero.

However, the visitors started the second half in far more ambitious mode with Gross appearing in dangerous positions to, first, shoot just wide and then see an effort blocked.

Jurgen Locadia then forced Romero into a fine save high to his right.

Albion were building momentum and should have been level when Locadia headed wastefully wide when unmarked at the back post.

That miss was proved costly as United&#39;s efficiency showed when Matic headed home their second goal from just their second shot on target all night.

Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic, the only two players to escape criticism from manager Jose Mourinho this week, scored the goals that carried Manchester United through to the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Brighton at Old Trafford

Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic, the only two players to escape criticism from manager Jose Mourinho this week, scored the goals that carried Manchester United through to the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Brighton at Old Trafford. Lukaku struck after 37 minutes although his 25th goal of the season owed everything to the delivery by team-mate Matic who sent over a far-post cross which hung invitingly for the Belgian international. As he has so often this season, Lukaku powered past his marker Lewis Dunk before forcing the ball in with a header from almost point-blank range. And seven minutes from time, Matic rose in convincing fashion to meet Ashley Young’s pinpoint free-kick and head in a goal that finally killed off a strong second-half showing from the visitors. Mourinho had used his pre-match press conference on Friday to launch an impassioned defence of his reign as United manager, in which he had hinted broadly that a number of his players had not been performing consistently this season - with only Lukaku and Matic singled out for praise. Coincidentally or not, the United manager left two of his biggest signings, Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez, out of his starting line-up despite the FA Cup being his club’s only hope of silverware this season following the disappointing midweek loss to Sevilla in the Champions League. A flurry of snow before kick-off made sure the game kicked off in difficult conditions, and it was the half-hour mark before Brighton’s defence was remotely troubled when Juan Mata played a series of sharp passes with Anthony Martial to open up a shooting opportunity which was deflected behind for a corner. Mata took the set-piece himself, which ended with Tim Krul turning Chris Smalling's shot against the post. Brighton missed a rare chance before the break when Pascal Gross's corner picked out Dunk, who had lost his marker Scott McTominay, and his powerful effort was well saved by Sergio Romero. However, the visitors started the second half in far more ambitious mode with Gross appearing in dangerous positions to, first, shoot just wide and then see an effort blocked. Jurgen Locadia then forced Romero into a fine save high to his right. Albion were building momentum and should have been level when Locadia headed wastefully wide when unmarked at the back post. That miss was proved costly as United's efficiency showed when Matic headed home their second goal from just their second shot on target all night.

Mourinho favourites Lukaku, Matic send Manchester United into FA Cup semi-finals

Jose Mourinho revealed his expletive-filled half-time rant inspired Manchester United&#39;s dramatic 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.

Mourinho&#39;s side fought back from two goals down at Selhurst Park to snatch the points thanks to Nemanja Matic&#39;s blistering long-range strike in stoppage-time.

United trailed to goals from Andros Townsend and Patrick van Aanholt before Chris Smalling gave the visitors a lifeline.

Romelu Lukaku equalised with 14 minutes remaining, setting the stage for Serbia midfielder Matic to notch his first goal for United since his move from Chelsea last year.

Mourinho admitted he was furious with his players&#39; lethargic first-half performance and he tore into them while demanding they show more tactical discipline.

&quot;I cannot tell you half of the things I told my team at half-time because there would be lots of bleeping on television,&quot; Mourinho said.

&quot;There were a few strong words relating to their attitude and the intensity of the game.&nbsp;

&quot;What I can say was all about the tactical positioning. That second goal was a goal to show kids in academies around the country, to show that top players can concede silly goals.&nbsp;

&quot;David De Gea had to do better. He is the best, no doubt, but he had to do better.&nbsp;

&quot;But the intensity and character was fantastic. We got a bit of luck in the last minute but it was deserved.&nbsp;

&quot;The urgency in that last half hour was huge.&quot;&nbsp;

It was the first time United had come from 2-0 down to win a Premier League game since December 2013 at Hull.&nbsp;

After hitting back from a goal down to beat Chelsea last weekend, Mourinho insisted this was another demonstration that United have the spirit and desire to overcome perilous predicaments.&nbsp;

- Keep the faith -

&quot;We were losing to Chelsea last week, then we were losing away from home against a Palace team that needs points,&quot; he said.

&quot;It&#39;s very hard but we kept faith and belief.

&quot;I always believe we can win. I will be like that until my last day.&nbsp;

&quot;Some days more than others but after Smalling&#39;s goal, I always thought it was possible.&nbsp;

&quot;Matic scored amazing goals like this when he was with me at Chelsea, at Goodison Park, against Benfica.&quot;

United&#39;s stirring revival moved them back above Liverpool into second place in the Premier League.&nbsp;

They trail runaway leaders Manchester City by 16 points, but Mourinho is more concerned with securing the top four finish that guarantees qualification for next season&#39;s Champions League.&nbsp;

&quot;We want to finish second, but it is huge pressure for us to finish in the top four. Now we have a little pillow,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Palace remain in the relegation zone, one point from safety, but Eagles boss Roy Hodgson urged his players not to let the heartbreaking defeat influence their fight for survival.&nbsp;

&quot;We took the game to Manchester United. If we had drawn the game - I don&#39;t think anyone, Jose included - would have said it was a scandal,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;We once again go away with no points and, like the game against Tottenham, I thought we deserved something.&nbsp;

&quot;But you always know the quality they possess and the strength and depth they have. They can cause problems.&nbsp;

&quot;Where we are in the table doesn&#39;t enter my mind. It would have been nice to have two more points, but we still would have been very much in a relegation battle.&nbsp;

&quot;It could well go down to the wire.&quot;

Mourinho's side fought back from two goals down at Selhurst Park to snatch the points thanks to Nemanja Matic's blistering long-range strike in stoppage-time

Jose Mourinho revealed his expletive-filled half-time rant inspired Manchester United's dramatic 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. Mourinho's side fought back from two goals down at Selhurst Park to snatch the points thanks to Nemanja Matic's blistering long-range strike in stoppage-time. United trailed to goals from Andros Townsend and Patrick van Aanholt before Chris Smalling gave the visitors a lifeline. Romelu Lukaku equalised with 14 minutes remaining, setting the stage for Serbia midfielder Matic to notch his first goal for United since his move from Chelsea last year. Mourinho admitted he was furious with his players' lethargic first-half performance and he tore into them while demanding they show more tactical discipline. "I cannot tell you half of the things I told my team at half-time because there would be lots of bleeping on television," Mourinho said. "There were a few strong words relating to their attitude and the intensity of the game. "What I can say was all about the tactical positioning. That second goal was a goal to show kids in academies around the country, to show that top players can concede silly goals. "David De Gea had to do better. He is the best, no doubt, but he had to do better. "But the intensity and character was fantastic. We got a bit of luck in the last minute but it was deserved. "The urgency in that last half hour was huge." It was the first time United had come from 2-0 down to win a Premier League game since December 2013 at Hull. After hitting back from a goal down to beat Chelsea last weekend, Mourinho insisted this was another demonstration that United have the spirit and desire to overcome perilous predicaments. - Keep the faith - "We were losing to Chelsea last week, then we were losing away from home against a Palace team that needs points," he said. "It's very hard but we kept faith and belief. "I always believe we can win. I will be like that until my last day. "Some days more than others but after Smalling's goal, I always thought it was possible. "Matic scored amazing goals like this when he was with me at Chelsea, at Goodison Park, against Benfica." United's stirring revival moved them back above Liverpool into second place in the Premier League. They trail runaway leaders Manchester City by 16 points, but Mourinho is more concerned with securing the top four finish that guarantees qualification for next season's Champions League. "We want to finish second, but it is huge pressure for us to finish in the top four. Now we have a little pillow," he said. Palace remain in the relegation zone, one point from safety, but Eagles boss Roy Hodgson urged his players not to let the heartbreaking defeat influence their fight for survival. "We took the game to Manchester United. If we had drawn the game - I don't think anyone, Jose included - would have said it was a scandal," he said. "We once again go away with no points and, like the game against Tottenham, I thought we deserved something. "But you always know the quality they possess and the strength and depth they have. They can cause problems. "Where we are in the table doesn't enter my mind. It would have been nice to have two more points, but we still would have been very much in a relegation battle. "It could well go down to the wire."

Jose Mourinho hails 'luck' for dramatic win over Crystal Palace

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Matic extends Manchester United contract until 2023

It is not his fault: Manchester United's Nemanja Matic defends Novak Djokovic for organising ill-fated Adria Tour

Mourinho favourites Lukaku, Matic send Manchester United into FA Cup semi-finals

Jose Mourinho hails 'luck' for dramatic win over Crystal Palace