Charlie Nicholas has been impressed by Aaron Ramsey in recent weeks.

• Ramsey signed for Arsenal from Cardiff City in 2008 for £5m
• Allegedly a United fan as a kid but was advised to join Gunners
• Nicholas impressed with Ramsey’s recent performances

Since Arsene Wenger changed Arsenal’s formation recently, Ramsey has been given the chance to shine in a more advanced role.

Former Gunner, Nicholas, believes that the Wales international’s performance against Manchester United recently demonstrated why the Red Devils were interested in signing him themselves back when he played for Cardiff.

”I say it every week, if you’re going to play Aaron, you have to play him in an advanced role,” the pundit told Sky Sports.

“He’s not a holding midfield player, he takes too many touches. This is where he’s at his best, this is what he does for Wales.

“This is why both Manchester United and Arsenal wanted to sign him.

“He’s got a brilliant engine, he lacks a little bit of composure in the final bit.

“That’s his influence on the team. When you see Aaron Ramsey having lots of time on the ball it’s touch, touch, touch and he doesn’t go anywhere.

“When he’s making runs off the ball, that’s exactly what they require.”

When Ramsey played for boyhood club, Cardiff, he was famously linked with moves to Arsenal and United. Obviously, he picked the Gunners, eventually signing for them in 2008 and returning to the Bluebirds in 2011 on loan.

Although the midfielder was allegedly a United fan growing up, he was advised by those around him, including Cardiff assistant manager, Terry Burton, who used to play and coach for Arsenal, to work under Wenger.

And the rest, they say, is history.