Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has heaped praise on new signing Nemanja Matic.

The Red Devils managed to secure the services of the 28-year-old from Chelsea last month, following several weeks of speculation.

Matic has been deemed by some as the missing piece of the jigsaw for United’s midfield as Jose Mourinho sets his sights on the Premier League title.

And speaking on the former Chelsea star’s move to Old Trafford, Scholes lauded the Red Devil’s new recruit.

“Big signings I think. I really like the Matic signing. That was the one that surprised me a little bit. It made you wonder why did Chelsea sell him?” he said.

“He brings aggression to United’s midfield which is something I think they have been lacking.

“I think he’s very similar in a way to Michael Carrick in a controlling midfielder, but what he brings what Michael doesn’t bring is a little bit of aggression which as I say he gets to the ball, he tackles, he allows other people to play.

“I think you saw that with Chelsea last year when Kante were magnificent together last year and that allowed Hazard and Fabregas and whoever else was playing that bit of freedom.

“I’m hoping he’ll do that with United.

“A bit of freedom for Pogba, for Martial, for Lingard, Martial, Mkhitaryan. These players need to step up this year.

“I think last year they were potential match winners that didn’t really do it when they should have done, I think this year if they can step up to the plate and they can become match winners this season then I think United have got a big chance.”

The Serbian international is expected to be handed another start when the Red Devils kick off their Premier League campaign this weekend at home to West Ham.

William Prescott 
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has heaped praise on new signing Nemanja Matic. The Red Devils managed to secure the services of the 28-year-old from Chelsea last month, following several weeks of speculation. Matic has been deemed by some as the missing piece of the jigsaw for United's midfield as...