Former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has claimed that the Blues placed greater emphasis on winning trophies than the Red Devils during his time at both clubs.

According to a report by Daily Mirror on Saturday, 31 October 2026, the Serbian midfielder believes Chelsea's culture under former owner Roman Abramovich was centred on results, while Manchester United appeared more commercially driven.

Matic enjoyed considerable success during his second spell at Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles before completing a £40 million move to Old Trafford in 2017.

However, despite spending five years at Manchester United, he failed to win a major trophy during his time with the club.

Reflecting on the differences between the two Premier League sides, the 38-year-old said Chelsea had a stronger winning mentality throughout the organisation.

"The difference I felt after Chelsea was that, at Chelsea, everything was about the result and winning trophies.

"That was the spirit in the whole club, even from the man who cuts the grass. Roman Abramovich would only ask us about results. At United, it was more commercial-minded. I started to think that after a couple of months in the club."

Matic also defended the efforts of his former Manchester United teammates and coaching staff, insisting they worked hard despite failing to deliver silverware.

"If I compare how we did with United now, then we did great, but of course, United cannot be happy finishing second," he said.

"United need to be winning leagues. We gave it our best and sometimes we’d get criticised, but I didn’t see any major problems in the club. The organisation was very good, the conditions perfect."

His comments come ahead of Saturday's meeting between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, with both clubs looking to improve their fortunes.

United have endured a difficult start to the campaign, winning just one league match this season. Manager Michael Carrick is under pressure following a series of disappointing results, including defeats to Como and Bournemouth.