Manchester United announces signing of Morgan Schneiderlin to 4-year deal

The Morgan Schneiderlin transfer saga has come to an end, as the French midfielder agreed to join Manchester United on a four-year deal from Southampton.

Schneiderlin has been rumoured to be on his way out of St. Mary's Stadium since last summer's mass exodus, which saw several important players depart Southampton.

United finally procured his services thanks to a generous transfer fee reported to be worth £25 million, according to the BBC.

"I am delighted to be a Manchester United player. Once I learned that United were interested in signing me, it was a very easy decision to make," Schneiderlin said.

"I have enjoyed seven very happy years with Southampton and it’s a club that will always be in my heart. But the chance to be part of this squad to help this great club be successful was too good to miss."

The signing occurred just in time for Schneiderlin to join his new teammates on their preseason tour of the United States.

"I’m excited to be starting that journey on our trip to the USA. I know what Manchester United means to fans all over the world and I’m looking forward to experiencing that," he said.

Schneiderlin is yet another important summer signing secured by manager Louis van Gaal, who is attempting to improve on the team's fourth-place finish.

"Morgan is a very talented player with great energy and ability. His skills will complement the players that we already have and I am very pleased that we have been able to complete this deal before the tour to the United States," Van Gaal said.

"That training camp will be very important in our preparations for the new season and gives Morgan and the other players a chance to show our fans what they can achieve together."

Bastian Schweinsteiger joins Schneiderlin as United's newest signing, after the Premier League club announced that the midfielder agreed to join them on a three-year deal following his trophy-laden career with Bayern Munich.