Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune has described new signing Nemanja Matic as a "fantastic addition" to the team and believes that he could have a similar impact to that of Claude Makelele at Chelsea.

Matic completed his move from Chelsea for a reported £40m earlier this week and made his debut for the club during Wednesday's 2-1 pre-season friendly victory over Sampdoria.

The Serbian will once again be playing under former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, and Fortune believes that his presence will increase United's chances of winning the Premier League title this season.

"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 told MUTV

"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."

Matic could make his competitive debut for United when they take on Real Madrid in Tuesday's European Super Cup.