Crewe academy director: 'Nick Powell like Eric Cantona'

Crewe Alexandra academy director Dario Gradi has compared new Manchester United signing Nick Powell to club legend Eric Cantona.

The 18-year-old midfielder is on the brink of signing for Sir Alex Ferguson's side after scoring 15 goals for the League Two club last season, as well as a fabulous strike during their 2-0 play-off final win. Gradi believes that the United new boy has the same match-winning ability as that of Cantona or current striker Wayne Rooney.

"Nick has got everything going for him," Gradi told talkSPORT.

"He's come up with the goods. He's won games for us with individual goals.

"He's a real match winner. It's like having Wayne Rooney or Eric Cantona in the team. They can win games through their own ability, not just great team play. He can do it on his own or he can combine with the team. He's got everything."

Powell has agreed a four-year-deal at Old Trafford with the transfer fee believed to be in region of £4m.