Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was reluctant to lose Nemanja Matic this summer.
The Serbia midfielder joined Roma after being released from the final year of his United contract.
The Daily Mail says Ten Hag tried to encourage Matic to extend his contract at United as he felt he had a commanding but positive presence in the changing room.
However, Matic - who spent five years at United after joining from Chelsea - decided to part ways with the club and join Roma instead.
He made over 100 Premier League appearances during his spell at Old Trafford after arriving from Chelsea for £40million in 2017, but started only 16 times last season.
Therefore, the 33-year-old wanted to move to a top-flight club where he would gain more first-team minutes.
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