Ferguson left flabbergasted after Man Utd failure to sign key target

Sir Alex Ferguson is questioning Manchester United’s decision not to sign Aston Villa’s John McGinn, according to the scout who helped pick out the midfielder.

McGinn, who moved to Villa from Hibernian last summer, was heavily linked with a move to United earlier this year following an impressive debut season at the club in which he guided Dean Smith’s side to Premier League promotion.

The Scottish international has taken well to the Premier League so far, having scored three goals and assisted one other so far in the top flight with Villa 15th in the table.

Speaking to The Athletic, Jenks – who scouted McGinn’s talent and helped Villa bring him to the club – claimed that Ferguson was also interested in United signing the player before he moved to the Midlands, adding that the Red Devils will now rue the decision not to snap him up.

“[McGinn‘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,” the former scout said.

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

Speaking about McGinn’s top-flight form, Jenks added: “He was a box-to-box player who could win the ball, fire it up to the striker and support him. I felt he could add goals to his game and was dangerous around the edge of the box. He’s showing that now.

 

“He has a great engine and attitude. Yes, he got a wee bit agitated and would nip in every now and then. He picked up some bookings but that’s just his style. He wants to win the ball back and does it so well.

“Villa needed someone like him. They didn’t have any player quite like him. Last season he put himself about in the Championship to show what he was made of and I’m just pleased it’s worked out for him and the club now.”

Meanwhile, United go into the international break in 12th in the table and winger Daniel James has outlined how he is going to help lift the club out of their current slump.

 

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