United are widely reported to have made a £25million bid to Barcelona in their attempts to sign former Arsenal captain Fabregas.

But Macari – who feels manager David Moyes desperately needs to sign a midfielder – believes that the club could be better suited going for Everton’s Fellaini.

The Belgian, who is 194cm tall, would give United a presence in midfield while he bagged 12 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions for Everton last season.

Former Everton boss Moyes knows what Fellaini can bring to the table and the player is likely to be receptive to a link-up with his former manager.

"What Fellaini gives you, which Fabregas doesn't, is goals," Macari told talkSPORT.

"He likes to get forward and I'm not sure (Fabregas) gives you that. What Fabregas does do, though, is give you the ability to knock the balls around.

"They desperately need someone in there. There are one or two players missing at the moment. Ashley Young is out injured, Antonio Valencia is not on the Far East tour, Ryan Giggs is not getting any younger and Paul Scholes is gone.

"People were screaming last season for a midfield player to come in, and this year the need is even greater."

Another ex-Manchester United stalwart, defender Denis Irwin, agrees with Macari's comments that United need to strengthen in midfield.

"With Scholesy (Paul Scholes) retiring you are losing a fantastic footballer and with Darren Fletcher (who suffers from a chronic bowel condition) we're not quite sure when he's going to come back," Irwin said.

"So it might need strengthening but I am sure David Moyes will have his own ideas."