Ian Burchnall, the former manager of Ravel Morrison at Ostersunds, has explained what Sheffield United can expect from the midfielder.
The Blades signed Morrison on a free transfer last week, with the 26-year-old joining on an initial one-year deal.
A Manchester United academy product and FA Youth Cup winner, the ex-England Under-21 international has never quite fulfilled his enormous potential.
Morrison left Old Trafford having made just three senior appearances. He later impressed for West Ham United and QPR on loan, before a difficult spell in Italy with Lazio.
A loan stint in Mexico followed with Atlas, before Morrison was signed by Swedish side Ostersunds in February. When that contract ended this summer, the Blades took the midfield ace on trial.
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Chris Wilder was impressed enough with what he saw to hand Morrison a permanent deal at Bramall Lane.
What can Sheffield United expect from Ravel Morrison?
(Photo by David Lidstrom/Getty Images)
Burchnall worked with Morrison for six months and explains to the Telegraph exactly what can be expected of him.
“There’s no question about what you see on the training pitch – he has incredible natural ability,” the 36-year-old said.
“You see that instantly. The key for him is to find a coach and an environment that understands talent and he can be part of the team structure.”
The report continues to state that Burchnall believes Morrison’s best position is as a number ten. Apparently the Red Devils youth graduate is comfortable in possession and dropping deeper to get it.
This would work in the 3-4-1-2 formation the Blades used widely last season. Morrison could slot into the role behind the two strikers.
Despite never being more than 70 per cent match fit during his time in Sweden according to Burchnall, he adds that the Englishman was still a class above his teammates.
Now it remains to be seen whether Wilder can help Morrison to the next level.
