(Football news) Manchester United’s midfielder Nemanja Matic revealed on Friday that he will be leaving the Old Trafford outfit at the end of the season, five years after the Serbian joined from Chelsea. The 33 year old is currently under contract until 2023 and has made 26 appearances across all competitions this season.

In an Instagram post, Matic said “I have informed the board, the manager and the players of my decision. It has been a huge honour and a privilege to play for this great club. A big thank you to the fans for their unwavering support. I will now give everything until the end of the season to help my teammates finish as strongly as possible."

Matic joined Manchester United from Chelsea for a fee of around £40 million in 2017 when Jose Mourinho was manager. The Serbian was instrumental in Chelsea’s title winning campaign during the 2014-15 season under the Portuguese manager but leaves Manchester United without winning a single trophy during his five year spell.

Manchester United are at serious risk of missing out on a Champions League spot next season, the club are currently 7th in the league with 51 points, six points behind fourth place Tottenham Hotspur. Matic’s decision to leave the club will add to the headache for the Manchester United hierarchy as the club lacks defensive midfielders. Moreover, the likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani are already expected to leave, which means that a significant overhaul of the squad will be required.

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is on the verge of being appointed as permanent manager for the club for the next season and the Dutchman will need significant transfer funds, despite the lack of Champions League in order to make the team competitive again. Moreover, the recruitment and scouting department at the club will need a significant change in order to spend the funds in the right direction based on the style of play the manager wants to implement.

Also read: Man United and Arsenal aim for three points in pursuit of CL football