sport news : John McGinn would suit Ralf Rangnick but is he the type of ...

sport news : John McGinn would suit Ralf Rangnick but is he the type of ...
sport news Manchester United: John McGinn would suit Ralf Rangnick but is he the type of ...

It has been clear for some time that Manchester United need to strengthen their midfield if they are to challenge for trophies going forward.

The Red Devils have regularly lost the midfield battle in big games this season and that is a big part of the reason why they sit 24 points off the top of the table after just 20 games, in a season where they were expected to mount a challenge for the title.

Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Denis Zakaria and Amadou Haidara are all names that have been linked with moves to Old Trafford over recent months.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn

McGinn's relentless energy and high intensity pressing could suit interim boss Ralf Rangnick

McGinn's relentless energy and high intensity pressing could suit interim boss Ralf Rangnick

But the latest name onto the United shortlist is Aston Villa star John McGinn, who has been linked with a £40m move this summer. 

Club legend Sir Alex Ferguson and technical director Darren Fletcher are both said to be huge fans of the Scotland international who plays a key part under Steven Gerrard at Villa Park,

There has been a mixed response among the club's supporters, with some thinking he would be perfect for the way United hope to play going forward, with others questioning the price tag and believing they are better off spending their money elsewhere.

Sportsmail takes a look at the 27-year-old and considers whether he is the type of midfielder that Manchester United need.

Sir Alex Ferguson and United's technical director Darren Ferguson are said to be big admirers

Sir Alex Ferguson and United's technical director Darren Ferguson are said to be big admirers

MCGINN SIGNING WOULD SUIT RANGNICK 

When you look at McGinn's main attributes as a player, it comes as no surprise that he has been linked to Manchester United.

While he may have a reputation for being a rambunctious box-to-box midfielder who likes to get stuck in with opposing players, he's more technically gifted than he's often given credit for. 

But crucially he presses extremely well and is excellent at winning the ball high up the pitch, allowing him to make the most out of transitions and counter attacks which would benefit United's pacy wingers.

McGinn is a box-to-box midfielder who likes to win the ball up high that set up counter attacks

McGinn is a box-to-box midfielder who likes to win the ball up high that set up counter attacks

Those attributes along with his relentless energy is perfect for the system that Ralf Rangnick is trying to implement at Old Trafford. 

McGinn's leadership qualities on and off the pitch are also said to be appealing to those behind the scenes at United. Though it could be tough to walk into a dressing room atmosphere which has faced much scrutiny going back to the final months of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time in charge.

With Bruno Fernandes at the head of the midfield, he would likely be scrapping for a spot alongside Fred and Scott McTominay as part of a midfield three or in Rangnick's 4-2-2-2 system. 

For Aston Villa he often plays on the right of a midfield three where he overlaps right-back Matty Cash so can provide good delivery into the box from the inside-right position.

Declan Rice (left) is among a number of other players the Red Devils have also been linked with

Declan Rice (left) is among a number of other players the Red Devils have also been linked with

As well as being a high-octane player, McGinn can contribute towards goals having netted three times and provided two assists in the league this season. Compared to Manchester United's current squad, only Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood have contributed to more goals in the league this season.

Signing McGinn would be the first major step in the transition towards Rangnick’s goal of getting United to play with more intensity.

However, Rangnick is only expected to be manager until the end of the season with the interim boss set to be in a consultancy role for the following two seasons.

Though the German is currently expected to stay at the

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