Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has hailed new signing Nemanja Matic as “a genius”, after the midfielder made his first ever appearance for the club last night.

United claimed a 2-1 victory over Sampdoria in Dublin on Wednesday evening, and it was Matic’s first appearance following his £40m switch from Premier League champions Chelsea to the Reds.

As per most players this pre-season, Matic lasted 45 minutes in the game – with Mourinho admitting the Serbian still lacked full match fitness. However, the Portuguese manager was full of praise for the 29-year-old.

“He needs time but (his) experience, intelligence, a genius in the way he thinks – he thinks football,” Mourinho said.

“We will help him to be ready sooner rather than later.”

It was yet another win for United during their successful season so far. The Red’s opened the scoring in the first 10 minutes when when Henrikh Mkhitaryan headed home, Sampdoria equalised midway through the second half, with Dennis Praet’s deflected effort deceiving David De Gea. But it was substitute Juan Mata who got the winner for United in the 81st minute, slotting home after a brilliant run from Anthony Martial.

Mourinho went on to say that United had done a “fantastic job” delivering three of his desired four summer transfers, hinting that he still hopes for a fourth before the window closes.

He added: “To get three out of four I thank the club for that, I will be happier if they get me four of four but they did a great effort for me.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports News]