I didn’t think I’d be including ‘Steve Bruce’ and ‘genius’ in the same sentence at the start of the season.
But his comments about John McGinn possibly joining Manchester United are exactly that. Bruce has been full of praise for the Aston Villa midfielder ahead of Monday’s game, as he was the man that signed him from Hibernian.
So why is this a stroke of genius from the Toon boss? Well, with a bit of luck Manchester United will take note and take their eyes away from our midfielder Sean Longstaff.
Talk up an opposition player so the Red Devils don’t sign your own – genius.
Yes, he [McGinn] can play at that level,” Bruce told the Telegraph when asked if he could do a job at Old Trafford.
“From what he has done in the last 12 months, he can only improve. He has done brilliantly. I always knew he would be good, but he has surpassed even my expectations. He can go on to become a really top player.”
Manchester United seem desperate for a new centre midfielder, and over the summer it seemed certain that Longstaff would end up there. Of course, he didn’t. And since then, they’ve also been linked with a move for McGinn. The Scottish midfielder is in his debut Premier League campaign and really turning heads with his performances.
In contrast, Longstaff is yet to really kick on after his sensational breakout at the start of the year.
On current form, McGinn would be the better signing for Manchester United.
Did Bruce have an ulterior motive with his comments? Probably not. I doubt the Manchester United hierarchy base their transfer decisions on what Bruce thinks, although it would explain a lot…
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