Sir Alex Ferguson's Transfer Recommendation Told He'd 'Walk Into' Manchester United's Midfield

Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, who has been recommended to Manchester United by Sir Alex Ferguson, has been told he'd walk into the club's starting eleven.

United are yet to sign a proper defensive midfielder under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and it's a problem position at Old Trafford.

The manager reportedly sees a midfielder as the 'final piece of the puzzle' and McGinn has been tipped to full that role perfectly.

"I say it every time I see him play, McTominay is the better version of Fred, definitely, but every time Fred gets the ball he gives it away - sloppy passes when they're trying to build attacks," Gabby Agbonlahor told talkSPORT.

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"He'll kick it out of a play or to the opposition and even when he's in there to win the ball back, like Allan or Doucoure does, Fred doesn't do that.

"I don't see why he's in that Manchester United team. I'd rather [Jesse] Lingard all day or give [Donny] van de Beek a chance.

"There's a lot of centre-midfielders that walk into that midfield...John McGinn walks into that midfield."

McGinn has impressed since coming to the top flight with Villa in 2019 and it's no secret Ferguson is a fan of his fellow Scot.

Bobby Jenks, who recommended the 26-year-old to Villa, told the Athletic: "He's up there with the best-performing midfielders in the division.

"Wait until he's had a year at that level and then we can say more.

"What I do know is that Sir Alex Ferguson is wondering why Manchester United let a talented Scottish boy slip through.

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"He'll be keeping a close eye on him that's for sure and if he continues the way he is, you can bet he'll be telling his pals at United, too."

Solskjaer is exploring alternatives and is ready to give Scott McTominay a role as his sole holding midfielder.

The 24-year-old plays alongside Fred at the moment but Solskjaer and his coaching staff believe he can do more.

According to The Athletic, coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna are working with McTominay on the discipline and passing required to operate as a sole anchorman.

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United sit fourth in the Premier League and drew their last game 1-1 against Everton.

They return to action against Leicester City following the international break.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, England

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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