Many Manchester United fans thought that Nemanja Matic was coming towards the end of his career at the club. Still, based on Ralf Rangnick's selection for the UEFA Champions League game against BSC Young Boys, the Serbian might have a new role in his plans.
To preface this, Matic has played at centre back for United before. Still, he has never started there, usually being deployed due to injuries or his manager wanting to sure up a result.
But a permanent move there under Rangnick's tenure may be a more innovative move than it first appears.
On the surface, the German is just rotating his squad as the game means nothing in terms of the Champions League group, United are already through in top position, but it will also allow him to get a look at some of the squads fringe members.
Matic will never work as a number six or eight in a Rangnick system. He doesn't have the mobility or stamina to operate in the centre of midfield. Still, as a centre back, the system would protect him from his lack of pace being exploited.
This would be similar to how it protected Willi Orban in Rangnick's RB Leipzig side and how it would protect Harry Maguire if he were to play in the back four.
And when you look at his other attributes, he seems to be a perfect fit for a centre back role.
His positional awareness is probably the best in this current United side. He has continued to be a helpful player in the latter stages of his career because of this, cutting out attacks by putting himself in the right place at the right time.
He is also tall and good in the air, and with Rangnick's system pushing opposition attackers out wide, this will be needed to defend crosses into the box.
Matic is also a fantastic passer, and this will be one of the most necessary traits for a centre back in Rangnick's 4-2-2-2 formation. The German will want his teams to attack quickly and directly, and Matic has shown even this season that he can break the lines with a single pass.
Throw into the mix that he is also left-footed. United fans will remember being one of the rumoured requirements for a centre-back to partner Maguire last season before Raphael Varane became available.
Overall, Matic has been a fantastic servant to the club, and stepping out onto the field will be a massive honour for the player. And also, playing at centre back will give him a chance to prove that he still is a valuable asset for the club to have even in this new age under Rangnick.
Do you think that Nemanja Matic can be successfully converted into a centre back under Ralf Rangnick? Follow our United On My Mind writer Casey Evans on Twitter and get involved in the discussion in the comment section below.
