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What Aston Villa star John McGinn said when asked about Man Utd transfer rumours
ASTON VILLA midfielder John McGinn has laughed off rumoured links with Manchester United ahead of his first season as a Premier League player.
McGinn joined Aston Villa from Hibernian in 2018 after snubbing interest from Scottish champions Celtic.
The 24-year-old quickly became a fan favourite at Villa Park, playing a key role in their promotion from the Championship last season.
The playmaker was subsequently linked to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United, but has now suggested that he was not aware of any concrete interest.
He said: “I had a little chuckle at it to be honest. I'm sure a lot of people did.
"It is up to me to go and prove it is justified.
“At that point my whole mindset was on Villa and being successful here.
"I have still got so much left to learn and prove. In the environment here I am appreciated.
"I'm loved and respected by everyone. There is no better feeling. I still have to pinch myself driving in.”
The former St Mirren man has suggested that he is not looking for a move away from Birmingham, even if it is to one of the biggest clubs in world football.
He added: ”I feel like one of the main players here.
"There really is no better feeling. I still need to improve and get better.
"To have any speculation lingering about isn't what you want. I'm just glad to be settled and to focus on the next five years.”
McGinn has also spoken out on the influx of new players that he will be playing alongside this season, and admitted that they need to gel sooner rather than later.
He said: “Honestly? I am not sure. There are a lot of new signings.
“A lot of boys have had to get their visas and stuff sorted, get used to the cuisine in Birmingham and the temperature.
“It took me seven months to get used to it.”