Morgan Schneiderlin to Manchester United: Latest Transfer Details and Reaction

Manchester United confirmed the signing of Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin on Monday.  

The Frenchman had long been rumoured to want to depart St Mary's, and the transfer brings to an end a seven-year spell at the south coast club for Schneiderlin.

Schneiderlin has signed an initial four-year deal with the Red Devils, and the news was confirmed by the club's official Twitter timeline just minutes after the signing of Bastian Schweinsteiger was announced:

The France international told the official United website:

"

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.

"

Schneiderlin is one of the most highly rated deep-lying midfielders in the Premier League, and he had another stellar season with Saints in 2014-15 as the club finished seventh, although he missed the last few games of the season with an injury.

However, the 25-year-old has long made it clear that his wish was to play Champions League football, per French radio station RMC (via Goal UK), hence his departure from Saints:

A terrific shield for the defence with great strength and concentration, Schneiderlin also contributes to attacking play with a fine range of passing.

United will no doubt benefit hugely from his addition, as he provides a controlling presence in the centre of the park.

The France international has all of the qualities to excel at the very highest level, and he will now be given the opportunity to make an impact in the Champions League.

It is a blow for Saints to lose one of their star men, but they have shown terrific ability in the past to continue to perform at a high level despite losing their best players to bigger clubs.