Fred criticised as Villa ace McGinn backed to 'walk into Man United's midfield'

United have been dealt a reality check in recent weeks with their form taking a turn for the worse.

The Red Devils had a promising start to the campaign with Cristiano Ronaldo banging in the goals on his return to Old Trafford after 12 years.

But pressure has grown on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a couple of bad results in the top-flight and a humbling in the Champions League by Young Boys in Switzerland.

United's midfield has been identified as their weak point, with Brazilian Fred in particular criticised for his disappointing displays in the middle of the park.

The 28-year-old was arguably at fault for Everton's equaliser on Saturday in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford as he was shrugged off by Demarai Gray in the lead up to the Toffees' goal, scored by Andros Towsend.

West Ham's Declan Rice and Leeds ace Kalvin Phillips - who both flourished with England at Euro 2020 during the summer - have been linked with Old Trafford switch, with the former said to be the primary target in the defensive midfield role.

But Aston Villa legend Gabby Agbonlahor reckons John McGinn would also 'walk right into' United's midfield' as he criticised Fred for his poor start to the season.

The former Villa captain told talkSPORT: "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.

"He'll kick it out 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 see why he's in that Manchester United team. I'd rather Lingard all day or give Van de Beek a chance.

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

"John McGinn walks into it that midfield."

Solskjaer's men are four points better off than the same stage last season but they have stumbled into the international break.

The Norwegian knows pressure will only grow if results continue to be poor, having spent more than £100million on Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho in the summer.