Former Barcelona and Tottenham boss Terry Venables has urged Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to raid Villarreal for midfielder Marcos Senna.

In his column for The Sun, Venables argued: "The Villarreal captain allows superstars around him to play, as his international team-mates Fernando Torres, David Villa, Iniesta and Xavi will no doubt testify.

"At 32, Senna might be viewed by some as too old, but in a time of transition his experience could be just what United need.

"They desperately need some class and craft in midfield. A special talent that would not only tell the world they're still a top-class club, but who would allow (Wayne) Rooney to return to his natural environment.

"This is the ideal chance for Fergie to build a team around the England hero."