Ex-Manchester United striker 'surprised' by summer departure as Red Devils monitor EFL ace 'every week'

Manchester United will return to Premier League action this weekend under the guidance of interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, when they take on 2016 Premier League champions Leicester City at Old Trafford. Before then, let’s take a look at all the biggest rumours from today.

A former United striker has shown disbelief that the Red Devils allowed a midfielder to leave the club over the course of the summer transfer window - he thinks his new club have made a ‘very good signing’.

Meanwhile, United are in pursuit of a talented youngster who currently plies his trade in the Championship - they are sending scouts to monitor the player ‘every week’.

Federico Macheda says Napoli have made a ‘very good signing’ with Scott McTominay

Former United player Federico Macheda has lavished praise on another ex-Red Devil - none other than Scott McTominay, who he was ‘surprised’ United allowed to leave in the summer. McTominay has hit the ground running in Naples - he has made 12 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring two goals and notching up two assists along the way.

Speaking with Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Macheda said: “I met Scott [McTominay] when he was little. I was in the first team and he was in the youth team, I know him well.

“He’s a guy who has grown a lot. Even in the tough years at United, he was one of the few to have a significant impact. His departure from Manchester surprised me, but Napoli have made a very good signing. I’m happy for him and for Italian football.”

While Macheda made an instant impact during his early years at United, he never lived up the potential that he seemed destined for. Most of his time at Old Trafford was characterised by loan spells at clubs such as Birmingham City, Queens Park Rangers and Doncaster Rovers - currently, at the age of 33, he plays for Asteras Tripolis in the Greek Super League.

Manchester United are ‘closely’ watching Chris Rigg at Sunderland

United’s interest in Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg is well documented at this point - a new revelation from Football Insider claims that the Red Devils are watching the 17 year old ‘every week’.

Speaking to the online publication, former United scout Mick Brown said: “He’s definitely one they’re interested in. He fits the profile of a young player who they can help develop.

“They’ve had scouts watching him closely at Sunderland nearly every week this season. They will know how good he is and how far they think he can go in the game, and from what I’ve heard they’ve been very impressed.

“Man United have a very good relationship with Sunderland behind the scenes, too. There are a number of young players up and down the country that they’ve sent scouts to watch, but Rigg’s performances have been very, very impressive. I think they’ll keep an eye on his progress and then determine whether they think he’s ready for the step up, but all signs suggest he will be capable.”