PLAYER PROFILE

Zoran Tosic

Position: Forward

Height: 5'8

Weight: 10st 12lbs

Date of Birth: 1987-04-28 Zrenjanin, Serbia

Zoran Tosic

Manchester United's new signing Zoran Tosic insists that he just wants to be known as "a normal guy who loves his dog, his home town of Zrenjanin and his girlfriend Dijana." However, that request is likely to be severely tested now his transfer to Manchester United has come into fruition. Sir Alex Ferguson has agreed a big-money deal for the Serbian youngster, and he will join up with the Red Devils with immediate effect, unlike countryman Adem Ljajic who United have also signed but will stay with Partizan Belgrade before arriving in England in 12 months time.

Joining the biggest club in the world marks a remarkable ascent for the precocious Serbian, who was considered nothing extraordinary until his coach at local side FK Banat Zrenjanin kick-started his rapid evolution by switching him from the centre of midfield out to the left-hand side in 2006.

Since then his development has accelerated and he is now one of the marquee players of football in the Balkans. He has enjoyed great success as part of a very strong Partizan Belgrade side that looks all set to retain their Superliga this term. His outstanding technique and intuitive spatial awareness has made him an indispensible part of Slavisa Jokanovic's side, as well as allowing him to take his incipient footsteps into international football - excelling for Serbia at last summer's Olympics.

Although touted as a long-term replacement for the ageing Ryan Giggs, Tosic most certainly doesn't mirror the Welshman's classical winger role. Comfortable in possession, he also enjoys meandering infield, regularly contributing assists with his incisive style of passing. His phenomenal free-kick technique also proved to be a valuable source of goals for Partizan.

Tosic only made two substitute appearances for United in his first half-season at the club, but established himself in the reserves, scoring the winning goal in the 2009 Manchester Senior Cup Final.