Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has given his two cents on who his former team should be targeting in the next transfer windows.
Midfield focus
After spending the summer bolstering the club’s attack, it is largely accepted that the club will next target a midfielder in January and the summer.
With the potential departure of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes next year, there may even be a need for two signings in the centre of the park.
United were heavily linked to Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba in August and there is a strong chance that they will return for the Cameroonian in the future.
What’s more, Nottingham Forest’s rising star Elliot Anderson is also said to be on United’s radar and the club hold a long-term interest in Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton.
United will face major competition for the Englishman with Liverpool and Chelsea both presenting rather large obstacles to a deal.
Rio Ferdinand backs Wharton
The United legend Rio Ferdinand is clear on which midfielder he would recommend United to sign and spoke at length on Wharton during his podcast Rio Reacts.
Describing the style of play he would bring to Old Trafford he claimed, “he’s the nearest to a Michael Carrick type, who’s a controller, who can play, and who plays forward from that deeper line position at times.
He added that, “he can be an eight if you need him to be and can run on at times if need be, but he’s more of a conductor and can control things.”
Ferdinand was also impressed by the player’s ability to perform against the very top teams in the country and he asserted, “I watched him in a couple of games last season against big teams like Man City and Liverpool, and he looks unfazed. He looks ready for a big occasion.”
In addition, Ferdinand praised his ability to stay cool and stated, “he enjoys pressure, can play under pressure, and the game kind of slows down when the ball is around him. I love him. I think he’s a fantastic footballer.”
Despite only being 21-years-old, he has won an FA Cup and Community Shield with Palace and played 50 times for the Eagles.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
