Darren Gibson is a talented young midfielder but like David Jones last summer, he’s unlikely to get many chances to play for Manchester United this season, especially with Owen Hargreaves coming in and with Ferguson’s tendency to pick Fletcher, O’Shea and Giggs in central midfield ahead of younger players.

If Manchester United want to keep Gibson on their books AND get him playing experience (so that he can be phased in as Paul Scholes is phased out the next season), they should send him out on a 5-month loan.

On the other hand, Sunderland need someone in central midfield who can play box-to-box and drive the whole team forward. Gibson fits that profile perfectly.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Sunderland were to nick Gibson from Manchester United in the 5-6 days, especially considering that Keane’s likely to add a couple of more players to his squad before August ends.

So, two questions:

1) Should Manchester United send Gibson away on loan or keep him and give him games?

2) Should Sunderland move for Gibson, or do they have better midfield options elsewhere?