Not Signing Fabregas Shows United's 'Lack of Leadership': Paul McGrath

Former Manchester United defender Paul McGrath is certain that Cesc Fabregas would have jumped at the chance to join the Red Devils but the transfer did not happen because of the "lack of leadership" at the club.

The Spaniard moved to Chelsea this summer but McGrath believes the midfielder should have been at Old Trafford instead. The 27-year-old, who spent eight years at Arsenal, returned to the Premier League, after three seasons with boyhood club Barcelona.

Fabregas was heavily linked to United for over a year now but it was Chelsea who eventually snapped him up, after Gunners boss Arsene Wenger turned down the opportunity to exercise his buy-back option. And the player impressed on his debut in the Blues' 3-1 win over Burnley on Monday, playing a part in all three goals.

"I'm sure Cesc Fabregas would have picked Man United [over Chelsea] simply because of the history. Most people believe that United is the biggest club, with the history and everything else," McGrath told Talksport.

"It is amazing we can't get these players. I think it is a lack of leadership on the Manchester United side. The club doesn't need selling because people want to play for them but it is going out there, getting those players, and doing it quick."

United have signed Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo this summer but are still short on the midfield and defending depatments, at least when it comes to quality.

United legend Paul Scholes also said recently that the club should have signed Fabregas this summer.

Meanwhile, McGrath questioned United's summer business, and added that fans want to see quality players coming in.

"I can't believe this summer, even with Van Gaal away at the World Cup that they didn't have things put in place. They seem to be doing business late," the 54-year-old pointed out. "Manchester United supporters want to see quality players come into the club, the biggest club in the world, and no one seems to have thought about that."