Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Sofyan Amrabat’s positional intelligence and discipline will be crucial for Manchester United.

Amrabat was United’s seventh and final signing of a busy summer transfer window, initially joining on a season-long loan from Fiorentina.

The Serie A side will receive €10million for the season, while there is also an option to make the move permanent for €20m plus €5m add-ons.

“I managed to see him live at the World Cup two or three times and I think he was very good, even against France,” Ferdinand told Vibe with Five.

“Defensively he’ll give us great cover for someone like Casemiro if he gets suspended or needs resting.

“At times we’ll need to play two sixes, and he’ll be someone who can come in and that’s what he’s there to do. He’s a skilled six, deep player, that’s his role.

“We’ve had players like Fred, McTominay – no disrespect, they wanted to do well – but I’ve always said when you look at their player ID, there was never defensive nous in their kit.

“This guy has that, that’s his game. He’s an enforcer, he stops other teams playing, he’s very cute positionally and he’s very disciplined. Those are traits you need as a defensive midfielder.”

“All players need to adapt and if he can do that quickly I think he’ll be fine,” Ferdinand added. “The game is quicker than Serie A, definitely.

“He’s an international footballer who played well on the international scene so hopefully he’s got the common sense and concentration to be able to make sure he’s right.

“I think someone like Casemiro, with his experience of last year missing a few games because of his ill-discipline here and there and maybe naivety towards the league, might be able to give him a point in the right direction.”