Morgan Schneiderlin has sealed his $40 million move from Southampton to Manchester United.
The 25-year-old French international has signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford and joins Louis van Gaal’s side within minutes of the Red Devils signing Bastian Schweinsteiger.
[ MORE: Schweinsteiger signs for United ]
Schneiderlin’s meteoric rise has been rather remarkable as he joined Southampton from Strasbourg as a teenager in 2008 and helped the climb from the third-tier of English soccer to the top eight of the Premier League.
Now, the Frenchman will bolster United’s midfield as his combative play will complement Schweinsteiger perfectly as the Red Devils hope to challenge for the Premier League title this season and also make waves in the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking about his move to United, here is what Schneiderlin had to say.“I am delighted to be a Manchester United player. Once I learned that United were interested in signing me, it was a very easy decision to make. I have enjoyed seven very happy years with Southampton and it’s a club that will always be in my heart. But the chance to be part of this squad to help this great club be successful was too good to miss.
“I’m excited to be starting that journey on our trip to the USA. I know what Manchester United means to fans all over the world and I’m looking forward to experiencing that.”
United’s manager Louis van Gaal had high praise for the energetic midfielder.
“Morgan is a very talented player with great energy and ability,” van Gaal said. “His skills will complement the players that we already have and I am very pleased that we have been able to complete this deal before the tour to the United States.”
Schneiderlin’s ability to not only break up play but also use the ball intelligently and make late runs into the box will excite United’s fans and at the age of 25 he already has three years of PL experience under his belt. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were both linked with a move for the man who played for France at the 2014 World Cup, but United were the only side to put in a serious bid for Southampton’s midfielder.
Along with the capture of Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin, United have also added Memphis Depay and Matteo Darmian before they jet out to the USA for their preseason tour. Spending over $125 million for those four players, the Red Devils mean business and are backing LVG’s plan to get them back among Europe’s elite and to challenge Chelsea and Manchester City for the PL title.
Before leaving for the U.S. with United, Schneiderlin sent the following message out to Southampton’s fans to thank them after he was an integral part in the side moving up from League One to the Europa League over the past six years.
Since 2008 u've been my home. Such incredible staff,players&fans.I can never thank u enough 4 what u've done 4 me. pic.twitter.com/Ez6IyXYo6u
— Morgan Schneiderlin (@SchneiderlinMo4) July 13, 2015
