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Nemanja Matic can 'let Paul Pogba off the leash', claims former Manchester United defender Denis Irwin

Manchester United new boy Nemanja Matic can unleash Paul Pogba.

That is the view of former United defender Denis Irwin - who also thinks fellow new arrival Romelu Lukaku will fire more than 20 goals for the club.

'Matic is a player United have needed for quite a while,' the Irishman said. 'Michael Carrick has done a fantastic job there but he is not getting any younger and we’ve needed midfielders.

Manchester United this week signed Nemanja Matic from Chelsea in a deal worth £40million
Denis Irwin believes the midfielder can help let team-mate Paul Pogba 'off the leash a little'
Denis Irwin believes the midfielder can help let team-mate Paul Pogba 'off the leash a little'
The United legend has also backed No 9 Romelu Lukaku to score at least 20 goals a season
The United legend has also backed No 9 Romelu Lukaku to score at least 20 goals a season

'He's also a signing designed to let Pogba off the leash a little bit so, although every club starts the season optimistic, having seen United in pre-season out in USA and just judging by the general feeling in and around the camp, I think it’s a very positive environment at the moment.