Rio - Powell a fine prospect

Nick Powell: Backed to shine by Rio Ferdinand in his first season at Old Trafford

Rio Ferdinand has been impressed by the way that Nick Powell has settled into the Manchester United squad and is tipping the youngster for a bright future.

Powell joined the Red Devils from Crewe earlier in the summer and is set to make his first-team debut against AmaZulu in Durban on Wednesday.

Ferdinand has not yet had much of a chance to see Powell in normal training but he feels the 18-year-old has the ability and attitude to succeed at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that Powell will be deployed in central midfield and Ferdinand feels he will bring an exciting new dimension to United's attacking play.

"He's a fine prospect. I've seen a few clips of him and watched a few games back home," said the defender in The Sun.

Integrated

"He has an unpredictable style and can play off-the-cuff. He can pull things out the hat that you don't expect.

"We've not really seen as much as we would have liked in training as we're just doing a lot of small-sided work at the moment, but he has a great first touch and he's not afraid.

"He seems a confident lad and he's integrated straight into the squad.

"For a young lad, to come into an environment like Manchester United from a lower league club, you have to say he walked in with his shoulders back as if he's meant to be here.

"And that's a great start to his career here."

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