Nemanja Matic has helped Jose Mourinho’s Roma to reach the Europa League final after a two-legged victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
The Serbian is in his first season at Roma since leaving Manchester United last summer.
United released Nemanja Matic last June after five years at Old Trafford. He made the decision to link up with Jose Mourinho, who signed him for United and Chelsea.
The move seems to be paying off for all parties. United have won a trophy without Matic, while he now has a chance to do the same.
Nemanja Matic reaches Europa League final
Roma managed to grind out a 0-0 draw in the second leg, following up their 1-0 first leg victory. It was a classic Jose Mourinho performance, with his side requiring just 28 per cent possession.
They had just one shot compared to Leverkusen’s 28, and still managed to get the job done.
Matic was a big part of Roma’s victory, playing all 90 minutes. He won three tackles and made three clearances as he dug in to help his side see the game out.
The midfielder never won a trophy during his time at Old Trafford. He joined in 2017 after United won silverware in Mourinho’s first season.
He was part of the Europa League final squad in 2021 when United took on Villarreal – but he did not play a single minute of the final, and the Red Devils lost on penalties.
This time he has another chance to win the trophy, when Roma take on Sevilla, who defeated Juventus in the other tie after extra-time.
Mourinho led Roma to the Europa Conference League last year and can double up with Europa League success this time around. This would qualify them for next season’s Champions League, a necessary victory as they only sit sixth in Serie A.