Former Manchester United attacker Kieran Richardson has insisted that Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish has the credentials to represent the Red Devils.

Grealish, who has scored four times and contributed four assists in 15 Premier League appearances this season, has recently been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Richardson played 81 times for United in the early stages of his career before turning out for Villa between 2014 and 2016 ahead of his retirement.

The 35-year-old has branded Grealish "a phenomenal talent" and insisted that he could 'easily see' the attacking midfielder with the 20-time English champions.

"Jack Grealish, he's a phenomenal talent. When I was there [Villa] playing he was coming through and you could see from the get-go he was a top, top player," Richardson told BBC Sport.

"He hasn't made his England debut yet has he? It's going to come, it will come eventually, he's a good player. It's tough competition [for England], very tough. The competition is very hard but I think that he will get his chance at one point.

"The way he can just ghost past players, he's so strong, he rides challenges. Even if you knock him down he'll get back up and keep going, he won't shy away from anything.

"He's very confident on the ball, he'll take the ball whenever he can. He's a top player and the way he's built as well, he's massive, his legs are absolutely massive. Even when I first saw him I was like 'This guy's a unit'. You saw his goal against Man Utd when he put it top corner, the quality he has... I can see him at United, easily."

United will be looking to make it three Premier League wins in a row for the first time since January when they welcome Everton to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.