He is slower than last season. It’s very obvious. It’s one reason we were under such a pressure by Newcastle’s high pressing. The other reason is that he stayed in his territory zone too much, rather than making himself available to Fred. As a result, we were pressed deep in our half and couldn’t bring the ball out. In short, he and Fred lacks the connection in between. I think it due to his legs gone. He doesn’t have the mobility like before.
But I still praise him for his contribution. We don’t have anyone else at the moment and he did his job as best as he could and even found a way to bring us back in front.
He might be slower than a season ago, but still fast enough to pull away with a ball at his feet (if he has space), and nimble enough to dribble in crowded area. He must be about 10x more mobile than Carrick last few years. Like I said - I don't see any issue with his mobility. He never relied on it anyway. This "problem" is often raised when he plays with Pogba, can't think of the reason why...
He might not be able to play every game, but so isn't McTominay who usually gets a week rest so that doesn't seem like an issue as well.
The pressing issue has more to do with big distance between back 6 and front 4 (happens very often). Plus, we are not well coached in beating pressing. Your conclusions are too far fetched, we struggle against pressing whoever plays in midfield. It's a collective issue, not personal. And if anything Matic is actually the first player I'd pick against intense pressing team.
He was very good yesterday, he's actually quite decent whenever he plays this season and I can't wait to see him paired with McTominay.