By Tam McManus

22nd Apr, 2023 | 8:00am

James Ward-Prowse is 'perfect' Man United signing after permission granted for move - pundit

Southampton star James Ward-Prowse would be a ‘perfect’ signing for Man United this summer.

That is the view of former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the Red Devils’ interest in the Saints captain.

Football Insider sources revealed earlier this month (4 April) that Ward-Prowse is a summer target for Man United with Erik ten Hag ‘hell-bent’ on improving his midfield.

In a major boost to the player’s suitors, it was revealed by Football Insider on Wednesday that Southampton have told Ward-Prowse he will be given permission to leave this summer if they are relegated from the Premier League.

The 28-year-old central midfielder has spent the entirety of his career at St Mary’s Stadium, scoring 53 goals in 402 appearances for Southampton.

But Ward-Prowse faces an uncertain future on the south coast, with the Saints sat bottom of the Premier League table with just seven games remaining in the season.

McManus believes Ward-Prowse will push to leave Southampton if relegated, as he is good enough to play for any team in the top flight.

“I think Southampton are going down this season, I think they’ve mentally gone and are out of time.,” McManus told Football Insider.

“As for Ward-Prowse, I don’t think he’ll want to stay and play in the Championship – he’s far too good for that.

“In an ideal world we look at Matt Le Tissier and loyalty, but Ward-Prowse could play for anybody in the Premier League.

“I think in a better team with better players and a top-class manager, we could see a big change to his confidence and ability.

“Man United could be that destination – I think he could be perfect for them if they could agree a deal.“

In other news, Glazers change Man United takeover stance after £1bn news – ‘crumbling apart’