Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Juan Sebastien Veron could have a similar impact at Old Trafford to last season's big summer signing Fabien Barthez.
The Argentinian is expected to complete his move to the Premiership champions from Italian club Lazio next week and the United boss is hoping that his arrival will galvanize the spirits of everyone at the club, as was the case with Barthez last season.
The extravert French keeper is already a massive favourite of the United fans and he has restored some stability to the Reds' rearguard after the upheaval of the 1999/2000 season that saw Bosnich, Taibi and Van der Gouw battling for the number one spot.
Veron is recognized as one of the best midfielders in the world at present and Ferguson is convinced the South American can give the Reds another dimension in his final season at the helm.
"Veron is a terrific player, that's for sure," Ferguson told The Mirror.
"He's an attacking midfielder with good physique, good stamina. He has a good attitude towards the game. He will improve us, I'm sure of that.
"He will also give us plenty of options. We need that one player who will give everyone at the club a lift.
"We need an outfield player who can influence everyone like our keeper Fabien Barthez does."
Ferguson has also been boosted by two of his homegrown stars, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, who have signed new long-term deals with the club, joining Andy Cole, Jaap Stam, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the Neville brothers in committing their future to United.
The Scot was delighted to have secured the pair's signatures, saying: "It's great news for the club and for the fans. They have grown up at United and that is shown in their outstanding play and commitment."
Sir Alex has also given his support to under-fire striker Dwight Yorke, who has endured a turbulent year and has consistently been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
"Dwight has got to put everything behind him and show that he wants to stay here," he said.
"There has been some interest in him and it is something I will pursue if it is in our interest. We are in no rush to do anything.
"If Yorke finds the form of two years ago you wouldn't want to sell him. He is one of the best in the business," Ferguson added.
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