Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic ‘very confident’ after being drawn against City in Carabao Cup

Nemanja Matic is confident that Manchester United will be able to overcome rivals Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

United progressed to the last four with a 2-0 victory away to Everton that was secured courtesy of late goals from Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial.

Last season United were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by City at the same stage of the competition, but Matic, who scored in the second leg of that tie, insists that his side are in a much better situation this time around.

Nemanja Matic says he is ‘very confident’ of overcoming Manchester City in the Carabao Cup

Matic told MUTV: ‘This time I hope we will use our chance; we will do our best.

‘I think that we are now in a better condition, a better moment. We play better football than last year, in my opinion. I’m very confident.’

This year’s encounter will be a single-legged tie, and, while City will undoubtedly provide tough opposition, United will hope to go into the game full of confidence.

The Carabao Cup is a chance for United to win their first silverware under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

City beat Manchester United 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals of last season’s competition

Although they have often struggled for consistency under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United have won their last three games in a row across all competitions.

They face a considerably difficult task on Boxing Day when they return to Premier League action with an away game against Leicester. 

United have yet to win a trophy since Solskjaer took charge, but the Carabao Cup represents an excellent opportunity for them to lift some silverware.

Matic previously won the competition with Chelsea in 2015 and will be eager for further glory.