NEMANJA MATIC admits Manchester United have not been good enough this season but defended team-mate Harry Maguire against England’s boo boys.
The Serbian midfielder, 33, and the rest of the squad are preparing to face Leicester City at Old Trafford this afternoon.
Nemanja Matic did not hold back as he assessed Man Utd’s failings Credit: Sky Sports
He did stick up for teammate Harry Maguire after England fans booed him Credit: PA The Red Devils desperately need to win to boost their fading hopes of overtaking Arsenal to finish in the top four.
That race for Champions League qualification comes on the back of them being knocked out of the competition by Atletico Madrid.
That means United will finish the campaign trophyless again as they continue to search for their next permanent manager.
During an interview with Sky Sports, Matic revealed it has been difficult working under interim manager Ralf Rangnick since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking.
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The best free bets and sign up offers available from our bookmaker partners But he refused to use that as an excuse for United’s failings.
He said: “It’s not easy when players think that the manager is only here for a few months. And it’s not easy for him.
“But we are all professionals and we have to follow his ideas because it’s good for him, for us and for the club.
“Players sometimes, if you know that manager is not staying here for the next season, it’s not easy when you change manager.
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“Every new manager needs some time to work on it and we are trying to do exactly what he wants from us.
“Some games we did that very well and in some games not that great.”
When asked why they have struggled on the pitch, he continued: “It’s hard for me, I’m just one player. It’s hard for me to analyse that.
“What I can say is that we are not happy, of course, with this season. We have to do much better.
“This season has been difficult for us. When you play for Manchester United you need to win trophies. This season we didn’t do it.”
Meanwhile, he was also asked about his pal Maguire being jeered while on England duty this week.
He said: “Harry Maguire did not serve that. I think that he played very well for England at the last Euros. He did fantastic so I don’t understand them.
“We have to be honest and say almost every player has to do more, has to give more.
“We have to do better as a team here. There is no more excuse.
“The last nine games we need to win seven or eight.”
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Will Smith RESIGNS from the Academy after slapping Chris Rock at Oscars He added: “I’m very happy to be here, very happy to represent this club.
“There’s a pressure on us, but we have to deal with that and perform in the best way.”
Maguire had to listen to his name booed before England played Ivory Coast Credit: Getty Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
