Former Man Utd player Nemanja Matic goes on strike to force transfer

Former Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has gone on strike in an attempt to force through a January move.

The chaos and panic that comes with the January transfer window makes it the perfect time for star players to throw their toys out of the pram in a bid to get their way.

Nobody will ever forget West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie turning up to Queens Park Ranger's training ground on deadline day and giving an interview through his car window.

Now, it looks like Nemanja Matic could be the player to make headlines for the wrong reasons.

The Serbian midfielder has played for the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Roma during his career, winning plenty of trophies along the way.

However, things aren't going so well for him in France with Rennes. The 35-year-old joined the Ligue 1 side from Roma last summer, but he and his family have reportedly struggled to settle in northwest France and now want out.

Matic has made 19 appearances in all competitions for Rennes this season, and has performed well enough for Lyon to make him their prime target.

Lyon has endured an abysmal start to the season, collecting just 16 points from 17 games to leave them just two points above the relegation play-off place.

Nemanja Matic leaves Manchester United for AS Roma. (Alamy)

Pierre Sage wants Matic to come and sure up his midfield, but Rennes are refusing to play ball. The 2019 Coupe de France winners have reportedly rejected two offers for Matic, much to the annoyance of the Serbian.

Now, in a bid to force through a move, Matic has taken drastic action. According to journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter, the wantaway star has already emptied his locker at Renne's training ground and has left the players' WhatsApp group.

Matic caused a stir when he chose to leave Roma for Rennes last summer, with Jose Mourinho reportedly upset with how the midfielder conducted himself during his final months at the Serie A side.

Should he get his move then Matic will surely have to settle quickly at Lyon to avoid wasting what could be the final major move of his career.

Topics: Nemanja Matic, Manchester United, AS Roma, Premier League, Lyon, Rennes, Ligue 1, Jose Mourinho

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton