John McGinn proves Man Utd fans right amid January transfer links

John McGinn impressed Manchester United fans as he helped Aston Villa to a 1-0 victory over Everton on Saturday afternoon.

Emiliano Buendia scored the all-important goal in the third minute of additional time in the first half, looping a great header over Jordan Pickford from a corner.

And although it wasn’t a standout performance by McGinn, he did show why the Red Devils are considering bringing the midfielder to Old Trafford, according to The Telegraph.

There is a divide amongst United supporters as to whether the midfielder is the man to get United back on track, and although he will not bring star quality to the side, he proved to those pleased with the links why he would be an asset to the next manager at The Theatre of Dreams.

The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their midfield this month with it being an obvious area of the squad that lacks the quality required to challenge for silverware.

Fred and Scott McTominay have both impressed on occasions but with Paul Pogba out of contract at the end of the season and Donny van de Beek reportedly unhappy with limited minutes, now is the time for Ralf Rangnick to set the club up for his successor.

Up against Abdoulaye Doucoure and Andre Gomes in central midfield, the 27-year-old showed glimmers of why he is such a fan’s favourite in the West Midlands with his tenacious, passionate ways, making his presence felt wherever possible.

McGinn protected the Villa defence well, preventing runners from midfield entering the penalty area unmarked, but also was able to influence the game in the final third too.

Although the former Hibernian star isn’t usually included for his goalscoring ability, he has scored three so far this season and that figure doesn’t do justice to how influential the Scot can be when deployed in a different role.

McGinn keeps the ball ticking and can dictate the tempo of a game when asked, though his focus against the Toffees was retrieving possession and moving the ball to the creative players such as Buendia and Philippe Coutinho.

Questions will be raised as to whether McGinn is exactly what United need, but they have looked emotionless under Rangnick and it could take a natural leader in the centre of the park to lift the spirits.

Speaking ahead of the game on Saturday, Villa boss Steven Gerrard spoke of the interest from the Red Devils, he said: “We certainly see it as a compliment when our best players, or any of our players, are linked with big moves away.

“I think it shows they are playing at a consistent level. We are certainly not a club that is looking to sell.

“We don’t want to be a selling club unless there is a situation, as with Grealish, which works itself out if you like.

“Our intention is to keep John McGinn here. We love the player, we love the human being and we want to help him. “We want him to remain a Villa player and we can’t be any clearer on that. I think it is normal when your best players are linked with moves and there is a lot of noise around them.

“I see that as a compliment more than anything because if they weren’t linked then maybe they are not top players and maybe not as good as we think.”

It remains to be seen whether United do arrive at Villa Park with an offer for McGinn and just how much it will take to persuade the club to part ways with the midfielder.