In a rare start this season, Nemanja Matic delivered the kind of performance that reminded Manchester United just what he can bring to the table.

The Serbia international has played just five times across all competitions this year, and there have been reports in recent weeks claiming that he is edging closer to the Old Trafford exit door, with a potential departure in the upcoming January transfer window on the cards.

But whilst at 31 Matic isn’t necessarily a spring chicken, he showed against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night that his experience and reading of the game can still be a valuable asset to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. In the Red Devils’ 4-0 thrashing of their Europa League opponents, the midfielder played alongside young starlet James Garner, and he took control of the match.

As per Sofascore, he had an impressive 91% pass accuracy, had 78 touches, and completed an impressive 11 of his 12 attempted long balls. It was a supremely composed midfield display for the powerhouse, and his ability to change the tempo of the game, or use his range of passing to open things up for the side, helped Solskjaer’s side to constantly keep Alkmaar working off the ball.

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Defensively he was solid too, registering one tackle, interception and clearance apiece. Garner no doubt would have felt more relaxed and safe knowing he had someone of the experience of Matic next to him to help win the midfield battle, and that in itself is another virtue of potentially wanting to keep hold of the veteran.

With suggestions that United are attempting to target younger, more exciting players in the future, it appears Matic’s career at Old Trafford is in its twilight stages. But in his performance on Thursday – admittedly in the Europa League – the Serbian delivered a reminder that age is just a number and that he may still have plenty to offer.

Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed this ace for his recent revival.