The invention relates to manufacturing the flat or shaped titanium matrix composite articles having improved mechanical properties such as lightweight plates, sheets for aircraft and automotive applications, heat-sinking lightweight electronic substrates, armor plates, etc. High-strength discontinuously-reinforced titanium metal matrix composite (TMMC) comprises (a) titanium matrix or titanium alloy as a major component, (b) ceramic and/or ≦50 vol. % intermetallic hard particles dispersed in matrix, (c) complex carbide- and/or boride particles at least partially soluble in matrix at sintering or forging temperatures such as ≦50 vol. % AlV2C, AlTi2Si3, AlTi6Si3, VB2, TiVSi2, TiVB4, Ti2AlC, AlCr2C, TiAlV2, V2C, VSi2, Ta3B4, NbTiB4, Al3U2C3 dispersed in matrix. Method for manufacturing these TMMC materials is disclosed. Sintered TMMC density exceeds 98% and closed discontinuous porosity allows performing hot deformation in air without encapsulating. Near-full density near-net shape TMMC parts with acceptable mechanical properties were manufactured without hot deformation.