5 Things You Should Know About Manchester United Midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin

Morgan Schneiderlin's arrival at Manchester United was one of the highlights of an up-and-down transfer window for the club. A fine midfielder, presumably brought in to be the heir to Michael Carrick, Schneiderlin could be at United for a long time to come.

Here are five facts about his story so far, some of which shine a light on the journey he has taken to get to Old Trafford, and some of which highlight why United have opted to make him their man.

He Played in League 1

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Schneiderlin signed for Southampton when they were in the Championship, but the Saints were relegated during his first season in England. Thus, the man who now plies his trade at Old Trafford spent two seasons in League One before his side were finally promoted back to the Championship.

Other than those United youngsters who have been on loan there, he does not have a lot of company at United in terms of players who have played in England's third tier. It is a long way from there to the Champions League.

He Was a Fan Favourite at Southampton

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Some Saints fans may have been put off by his public attempt to leave the club in the summer of 2014, per Luke Edwards of the Telegraph.

However, before that, Schneiderlin was a big fan favourite at St Mary's. He was crowned both Fans' and Players' Player of the Year in 2012/13, their first season back in the Premier League. His endeavour was there for all to see, as he put in an average of 4.1 tackles per league game and scored five league goals. 

That kind of all-action, tough-tackling, goalscoring midfielder is always likely to be a crowd favourite, and that Schneiderlin certainly was.

He Has Great Passing Numbers

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The 2012/13 season was also the only Premier League season Schneiderlin has been involved in when his pass-completion percentage in league matches was below 89 per cent. Even then, it was a reasonable 85.1 per cent.

In both 2013/14 and 2014/15, he hit 89.3 per cent. So far this season, it is 90.2 per cent.

Schneiderlin is very safe in possession and rarely gives the ball away. It is those kind of numbers that have seen him cast as Carrick's replacement at Old Trafford, although he has a physical dimension to his game Carrick has never possessed.

He Was Involved with the National Team Throughout His Youth

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Schneiderlin played for France at under-16, U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 levels. 

His integration with the youth setup throughout his development meant it was of little surprise when he received a senior call up in 2014. He played during that year's World Cup, but only in a dead rubber against Ecuador at the end of the group stage. However, his inclusion in the squad signalled his potential future importance to France.

Now he is at United, he will certainly have the stage on which to demonstrate he could be a natural starter for his country, albeit there is plenty of competition in France's midfield.

He Was 'Enchanted' by Manchester United's 2003 Game with Real Madrid

In a brilliant interview with France Football (h/t Get French Football News), Schneiderlin spoke about his love for Eric Cantona, saying:

"

I have seen videos of him. I love them! I love these types of footballers who have character, a personality. You need players like that. Cantona says what he thinks. I watched interviews with him that made me laugh.

I loved that type of arrogance he showed when he scored and looked upon the fans.

"

Praising Cantona is a great way to get United fans onside, but Schneiderlin also cited one of the all-time great moments of recent history at Old Trafford when he talked about the legendary 2003 Champions League quarter-final second-leg game between United and Real Madrid. United won on the night, but it was not enough to see them through in the tie.

Schneiderlin said of that game: 

"

The European Cup match that enchanted me the most, was Manchester United versus Real Madrid in 2003, in the quarter-final return leg in the Champions League. 4-3 for Manchester United! Beckham scored a brace and Ronaldo scored a hat-trick. When the Brazilian was replaced, Old Trafford gave him a standing ovation. This match was pure joy; there was such intensity to it!

"

Pure joy is how many United fans remember it too despite the disappointment at not progressing in the Champions League. It was a game full of romance, glamour and excitement, the essence of the best things about following Manchester United. Hopefully Schneiderlin can be part of similar nights of magic during his United career.

All advanced statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com