Jose Mourinho was mocked when he gave Scott McTominay a special accolade as his own Player of the Season two years ago. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might be tempted to repeat the feat and hail his own unsung hero if Manchester United secure Champions League qualification.
"It was between him (McTominay) and Matic," Mourinho told bewildered onlookers at the end of season awards in 2018. "Because Matic last March 2017 told me 'I want to play for you and I want to play for Manchester United' and he made it happen."
Two years on, Nemanja Matic might finally get the recognition he deserves.
The veteran midfielder was surplus to requirements prior to the January transfer window and was open to a move away from the club if one materialised last month. But, in a sliding doors moment, injuries to McTominay and Paul Pogba gifted Matic a chance to prove his worth and it is one he has taken with both hands - and a cultured left foot.
Matic has never been a glamorous player but is a master of his craft when it comes to doing the dirty work of thwarting attacks and keeping things simple in midfield. Accompanied by both Fred and Bruno Fernandes against Chelsea, Matic was a crucial cog in balancing the current set-up by offering steel in a midfield otherwise made of silk.
Monday night's win at Stamford Bridge was perhaps his crowning glory. Jeered by home fans when his name was announced over the PA system ahead of kick-off, Matic responded in style with a dignified and composed performance, demonstrating the composure his former side lacked throughout.
Matic has set the standard for any future United defensive midfielder in wins over Manchester City and Chelsea this calendar year, but at 31 years old he can not be expected to play as often as he has been doing as of late, even if he still has a key role to play this season.
United have the option of triggering a one-year extension in the Serb's current contract but, after his recent form, it wouldn't be a surprise for a new short-term contract to be offered on top of that in order to protect his sell-on value.
Even when the possibility of leaving United arrived last month, Matic stayed professional throughout. His recent performances have been a bonus to Solskjaer and the leadership qualities he continues to demonstrate are a key asset to a side still in transition.
Some supporters might lose attention when Matic is put up for media duties, but that in itself is a skill. Even when the problems have occurred at Old Trafford their veteran midfielder has never hid from his critics, his latest displays further evidence that.
United would be silly to rely on Matic more so than have done already this season and it is obvious midfield recruitment will still be required once the summer window begins.
However, the real compliment to Matic is that, even when McTominay makes his long-awaited return to fitness, he will no longer be guaranteed the regular starting role he left behind.
