Sir Alex Ferguson’s verdict on Vardy resurfaces as Man Utd offered free transfer

Former Leicester and England star Jamie Vardy is one of a number of stars linked with a shock move to Manchester United this summer and Alex Ferguson’s thoughts on the striker are clear

Sir Alex Ferguson once hailed Jamie Vardy’s goalscoring ability, with Manchester United mulling over a fresh move for the forward. The former England striker is available this summer following his exit from Leicester City.

Vardy quit the King Power Stadium following the Midland club’s relegation to the Championship. Reports have since suggested that United have been offered Vardy’s services as they look to add a new striker to their squad.

Given the fact he will be 39 next season, a move for Vardy will only happen towards the end of the window should they lose out on their priority targets. But it appears that legendary former manager Ferguson would be a big fan of a deal having hailed Vardy in the past.

Speaking back in 2015 in the middle of Leicester’s title charge, he said: “He (Vardy) is aggressive, he is quick, he has got energy and he has got a goal in him. He has proved that.

“He has got assets suited to modern-day football, particularly at a club like Leicester City. Our Darren (his son) wanted to sign him at Peterborough but Leicester came in. Vardy is a great example of never giving in and keeping a great belief in himself.”

Vardy has gone on to score 145 Premier League goals in 342 appearances. And while a move to Old Trafford looks unlikely at this stage, another legendary former Red Devil is also a big fan.

Ruud van Nistelrooy - who endured a disastrous spell in the Midlands before his sacking - regularly hailed Vardy and his abilities. Speaking in May, the Dutchman said: "When you see the amount of times a player is performing at the highest level, for me that is the biggest achievement.

"When you're capable of performing in 13 seasons at this level, coming up to 500 games, coming up 200 goals, that says it all, on your mindset and standards you set yourself, how you live your life around football and how you perform.

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"Then you look at the trophies he won, also the individual achievements. It's the total package of one of the greatest."

Vardy is not the only free agent that United have been offered amid their search for a new forward this summer. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Callum Wilson have also emerged as options for the Red Devils following their exits from Everton and Newcastle respectively.

Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins is also on United’s shortlist but Aston Villa are expected to demand around £60m for the forward.