Seamus Coleman should have been top of David Moyes' transfer wishlist at Manchester United

David Moyes should have made Seamus Coleman his first signing at Manchester United over Marouane Fellaini, according to former Republic of Ireland international Tony Cascarino. Moyes was linked with moves to Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas during his eight-month spell at Old Trafford, but Fellaini was one of only two major signings made by the Scot.

Coleman is regarded as one of Moyes' most successful signings during his 11-year career at the Goodison Park. He acquired the defender from Irish side Sligo Rovers in 2009 for just £60,000, according to the Liverpool Echo, and he developed into one of the Premier League's best full-backs – earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year for performances during the 2013-14 season.

But instead of bringing Coleman to United during his only summer in charge, after taking over from the retired Sir Alex Ferguson, Moyes brought in Fellaini on the final day of trading in the 2013 summer transfer window. Cascarino believes that move was an error from Moyes, which eventually led to his untimely sacking before the end of his first campaign.

"When David Moyes got the job at Man United I thought the first player he should have signed was Seamus Coleman," the ex-Chelsea forward told Talksport. "There was talk of Leighton Baines and [Moyes] ended up taking [Marouane] Fellaini, but Coleman was the one I really felt they should have gone for.

"Seamus is one of the best right-backs in the Premier League in my opinion. Week in, week out Seamus does a fantastic job and I'm sure Everton fans will be proud of how well he plays for them and his country because his last three or four performances for Ireland have been exceptional."

Right-back has recently become a problem position for United, with Antonio having emerged as first choice under former boss Louis van Gaal and now Jose Mourinho. The Ecuadorian has missed the club's last two league games with a broken arm but could yet return for the visit of Arsenal this weekend.