Matic: I have to have serious hair, like Gary Neville

There is little prospect, it seems, of Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic following the example of exuberant club-mate Paul Pogba.

Matic has said that he would like to see Pogba take on more responsibility in games and show the confidence he has off the field on it.

The Frenchman has become noted for his outlandish haircuts, which change on a frequent basis, but the former Chelsea midfielder has instead jokingly pointed to a former Red Devil for inspiration in this regard.

Gary Neville might not always be the go-to figure for fashionistas, but the former right-back is good enough for Matic.

Asked by the Guardian if he might try blue or red hair like Pogba, he was quick to rebuff the suggestion.

“No, I have kids – if I do that, my son is going to have to have the same; I have to have serious hair, like Gary Neville,” he said.

Meanwhile, it also appears there’s no prospect of a complicated dance routine next time he finds the net.

“No, I’m just simple,” he said.

This attitude echoes the humble beginnings in his career, which he also discussed.

“In Serbia I played in the third division [at Kolubara], which is like League One in England – probably worse. I earned £70 per month at 17-18,” he said. “I had the opportunity to go Slovakia and I said: ‘Let’s try it.’

“There is an interesting story because an agent wanted to take me to a Serbian club and I was not happy to do so. He asked: ‘Where do you want to go then?’ I was sitting at a table with him, playing third division, and I told him: ‘I wanted to go to Manchester United.’ He was like: ‘What is he talking about?’ I was joking but it shows everything is possible.”

Matic and his Man Utd side face Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.