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Cape Town - Manchester United should resist the temptation to part ways with out-of-favour midfielder Nemanja Matic, according to club legend Peter Schmeichel.
Serbia international Matic has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season, making just three Premier League appearances, and there are reports he will be sold in the January transfer window.
The 31-year-old, who was struggling with injury at the start of the campaign, is said to be becoming frustrated at the lack of opportunities and is eager for more playing time ahead of a potential Euro 2020 outing.
United's lack of experience has been discussed at length this season and this issue cropped up once again in Sunday's thrilling 3-3 draw against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Having gone 2-0 down, the Reds Devils scored three goals in the final 15 minutes of normal time and looked to be on course for a sensational comeback, which would have lifted them to fifth in the table.
But Scotland international Oliver McBurnie popped up in stoppage time to score a dramatic equaliser and claim a share of the spoils for the Blades, who extended their unbeaten run in the league to six matches.
United legend Schmeichel, who won five Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, believes Matic's presence would have helped in that game and the ex-keeper believes the midfielder can still play a big part this season.
He told Premier League Productions: "They needed a player like Matic, just to sit in that defensive midfield role and just calm things down. He's been criticised for being slow and playing the ball backwards too many times, but sometimes they needed that."
United return to action on Thursday when they make a trip to Astana for Europa League action and Matic may be considered for the clash in Kazakhstan.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men will be looking to become the first team in Europa League history to keep clean sheets in their first five group games.
- TeamTalk Media
