It's an old cliché, but Manchester United's win over Tottenham on Saturday evening was evidence that while form might be temporary, class is permanent. Cristiano Ronaldo rightfully grabbed the headlines for his incredible individual performance, but he is not the only veteran player who deserves special praise for his contribution to the match.
While the win was decided by Ronaldo's clutch moments at three crucial stages of the game, he was only able to do so because he had been given such a solid platform to perform by the tireless work in midfield behind him.
In the absence of Bruno Fernandes, it was another stellar showing from Fred in an attacking capacity, but even his own performance was elevated by the unsung brilliance of Nemanja Matic.
READ MORE: Manchester United have found an unexpected Bruno Fernandes replacement after Tottenham win
The Serbian might only be a shell of his former self, but he still offers a unique blend in midfield and is unrivalled in terms of the defensive solidity he brings to the team. When United have Matic in their starting line-up, they benefit from a much greater level of control in midfield and a solid base from which to attack.
It is no surprise that when Matic is playing well, so too are the other attacking players, with Fred's latest eye-catching display owed in part to the fact that he was granted the freedom he relishes to get forward by his experienced teammate.
The problem for United is that Matic's shortcomings are so obvious. He is cumbersome, lacks agility and can often be caught out of position because of his physical limitations. At the age of 33, there is a common discussion amongst United fans that if they could somehow have a younger version of the Serbian, then many of their current issues would be solved.
It brings United full circle ahead of the summer transfer window and is a reminder that if a specialist defensive midfielder is signed, then it could immediately transform the side's fortunes. After any defeat, it is easy to disregard the talents already at the club, and it is an easy trap to suggest that spending lots of money is the only way United will ever properly compete with Manchester City and Liverpool.
Instead, the squad rebuild isn't necessarily as massive a task as many make out, with United still only a few smart signings away from being able to fulfil their potential. Matic's performance against Tottenham proved signing one midfield anchor could in turn improve Fred's standards. The addition of another midfielder could also ease the overreliance on Scott McTominay, allowing him to become an effective squad player in the mould of Nicky Butt or Darren Fletcher.
United already accept signing a new midfielder is the 'biggest issue' in the next transfer window, and the weekend's win is perfect evidence of how transformative the right one would be.
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