02/08/2017 15:45, Report by Adam Marshall

Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune believes Nemanja Matic can be the Reds' answer to ex-Chelsea star Claude Makelele.

Fortune competed against Makelele during their time in the Premier League and the Frenchman made a deep-lying position his own, with his intelligent and selfless work drawing widespread praise.

Matic was converted into a more defensive midfield role at Benfica and thrived in various systems under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge. Mourinho is a huge admirer of his third summer signing and clearly views him as a vital cog in his machine.

With the Serbian in the travelling squad and available to make his debut in Dublin against Sampdoria in the final game of Tour 2017, presented by Aon, all eyes will be on the Aviva Stadium this evening [Wednesday].

Fortune, who is with MUTV to cover the game live, told ManUtd.com: "He's a very good player. Someone knows the Premier League and, obviously, the manager knows him so he is someone who can fill in for Michael Carrick.

"He's a fantastic addition to the team and I'm really looking forward to someone who can screen in front of the back four. He plays the role perfectly, like a Claude Makelele role, and, at the same time, can play as well.

"He is a really, really strong player who strengthens the squad and gives us a better chance of winning the league this season. So I am excited to see if he's involved tonight and how he does."