Berg Tips United Midfielder to Have Similar Impact to Cantona

Former Manchester United defender Henning Berg believes that Marouane Fellaini could prove a shrewd addition by David Moyes and has even compared his arrival to when Eric Cantona was signed in the summer of 1992.

Some have questioned whether United significantly improved their side enough during the summer to retain their Premier League crown but Berg is confident that Fellaini will have a major impact on the side.

While falling short of comparing Fellaini with Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, he does believe the Belgium international can help galvanise a side that has been short of ideas at the start of the season.

"I think Fellaini can give United more presence up front, he can help van Persie in terms of link up. I think with his passion and his mentality, he can make a big difference to United," Berg explained on the official Manchester United website.

"He's not the kind of player to thread passes through. But, he has a sheer presence to hold the ball up, ability to win balls in the box, and match-winning mentality - he raises his game for the big matches.

"Every game for United is a big one, so I think he will rise to that and enjoy it. When Cantona came, he had that mentality every game. I'm not saying he's going to be the same, but he can be."

While Cantona helped transform United into a title winning side when he joined over twenty years ago, Fellaini will be hoping to keep the club at the summit.

The Belgian midfielder excelled in several positions for Everton but it seems Berg feels his strongest position will be playing just a central striker where he can influence the game the most.

"He's got great potential, and if he's consistent with his best level, he will be a fantastic signing," added the former Blackburn Rovers manager. "He can play so play different positions, he's a good footballer but there's something about him.

"He can get players around him, he can control and dominate games, and I think United have too few players who can do that. That's why I think he will be a great signing."