Manchester United made waves early in the transfer window with the additions of Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku but it’s their latest acquisition that could provide the biggest impact on Jose Mourinho’s side, as he arrives with plenty of experience.

The Red Devils swooped to reunite their Portuguese boss with Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, who was informed by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte’s that he was surplus to requirements for the defending champions this summer, in a rare move that saw direct rivals approve significant deals with each other.

Whilst Matic was not a first-choice midfielder for Chelsea last season, the departure of the Serbian international has left a big hole in the Blues squad and has bolstered Manchester United’s set-up significantly.

Matic’s addition should allow last summer’s huge recruit Paul Pogba to have more of an impact in the attacking areas and that could provide the catalyst towards a successful season for Manchester United, who are looking to snatch Chelsea’s Premier League crown.

Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness is certainly surprised with Chelsea’s decision to sell Matic to their title rivals and believes the Blues have made a huge mistake- potentially one that could come back to haunt them over the course of the forthcoming season.

Quoted by The Sunday Times, the former Newcastle boss said:

“I have some criticism of the Serb — I would like to see him become more of a box-to-box player, contributing more goals. But he has a great workrate, doesn’t give the ball away and was an integral part of two title-winning teams.”

“At 29 he is at his peak and I would not have sold him. Or, if I did want to move him on, it would not have been to Old Trafford because it only strengthens one of Chelsea’s rivals. A stronger United makes life harder for Chelsea and I expect Manchester City to do better this season.”

Manchester United are expected to utilise Nemanja Matic next weekend in their opening Premier League clash with West Ham United at Old Trafford and the experienced midfielder could prove to be a vital asset this season, especially if Mourinho can get the sort of performances he enjoyed with Matic in his Chelsea side two-years ago.