Former Inter Milan star Dejan Stankovic is backing Nemanja Matic for success with Roma.

The departing Manchester United midfielder is set to join Roma in a free transfer.

“He [Matic] has two crucial qualities for Mourinho: he is reliable and loyal. It means that he can be trusted, on the pitch and in the dressing room," Stankovic told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He is a serious person, with values and a great family that follows him. José knows that he is a warrior, one of those he likes.

“Matic is good to start play from the back, he is aggressive and he can protect the defence. I admit it, I am curious to see how he will adapt to Italian football, but I have no doubts that he'll do well."

On Matic not being a regular with United, Stankovic insisted: “I want to see the glass half full and I can say that he rested a bit to play at a high level for two or three more years," Stankovic explained.

“The Premier League is very dynamic, while Serie A is more tactical. Nemanja is almost 34 and he has the experience to do well in Italy.

“José loves these kinds of players, he wants people with balls which can be an added value in big games. The result is the only thing that matters. Nobody remembers how well you played. Now that I am a coach, I understand these dynamics a little better."