Rio Ferdinand has shared his thoughts on whom he would sign this summer if he were in Ruben Amorim‘s shoes. And his suggestions might make many fans at Manchester United wish the former England defender was part of the board.
Ferdinand, 46, is eager to see his former club restored to their former glories after years of mediocrity by their usual standards. And he has outlined a plan involving four specific targets that, based on their reported valuations, could cost the Red Devils around £230million this summer.
Similarly, Neville made clear off the back of the drab goalless Manchester derby on Sky Sports‘ Super Sunday how United need at least five new signings through the door this summer. He said: “They need five new players straight away before you even think about the rest of it. The three up front are not good enough and the two wing-backs, they’re not good enough.
“They need five players. They need to serve him with five players who are good enough in this system to be able to play his system the way he wants.”
And speaking on his Rio Presents podcast, Ferdinand said: “I agree with Gary Neville that they need five players, I think they need four or five players but they will be constrained by [Profit and Sustainability Rules]. I want a centre midfielder to play alongside Ugarte, that player needs to be able to take the ball and transfer it through to the Bruno’s and the strikers. And you know who I’d go for? Adam Wharton.”
Not too long ago, Real Madrid were rumoured to be interested in Wharton, whom Palace signed from Blackburn Rovers for £22m. The Daily Mail suggested his valuation has since increased to around £70m, which is a significant outlay for a midfielder recovering from a long-term injury, especially considering Mason Mount’s fitness struggles at Old Trafford.
Red Devils legend Ferdinand also suggested United need to make at least two major signings to bolster their attack. He believes the club should target a direct replacement for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who have lacked a senior role model in Manchester.
“[Victor] Osimhen. And I know, sorry Napoli and Galatasaray, if I’m Man United, Osimhen comes to Man United next year, I’m making it happen,” he added. “Another one I’d go and buy is [Matheus] Cunha. He’s made it clear that he wants to leave so I’d go and get Cunha.”
Nigeria star Osimhen – currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli – was considered by some to be a missed opportunity last summer. And Ferdinand suggested United could leverage Alejandro Garnacho – who was previously wanted by Napoli – to help meet Osimhen’s hefty £64m release clause, although Napoli’s interest may have waned.
Cunha, on the other hand, has countered claims that he’s seeking an exit. He clarified on social media that his ambition to “take the next step” referred to elevating Wolves, not leaving them.
Despite a £62.5m release clause in his contract, Cunha’s potential move to United is complicated by his disciplinary record, which includes six games worth of bans this season. To cap off his recommendations, Ferdinand advised his old team to sign another player who would fit seamlessly into Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation.
“You know who else I’d go and get? [Jeremie] Frimpong at right wing-back,” he added. The flying full-back caught eyes at Celtic and has gone from strength to strength since joining Bayer Leverkusen, where Xabi Alonso’s management has seen him thrive following a nine-year spell in Manchester City’s youth ranks.
His English football heritage might just be the ticket for a Premier League return. The 24-year-old boasted a £33.5m release clause that expired in July 2024, though reports have suggested he could still be available for a similar fee.
Diogo Dalot has been Amorim’s go-to option on the right flank, while new signing Patrick Dorgu has taken charge of the left side. However, Dalot’s performances haven’t completely convinced the club’s fanbase, and many would welcome potential reinforcements in that part of the pitch.
Looking at a hefty collective tab of around £230m for these transfer targets means United would required sales to fund yet another redevelopment. But with the team potentially staring down its worst-ever finish in the Premier League era, sourcing such funds could prove easier said than done.
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