“He’s a player”: Rio Ferdinand urges United to go all out for ‘do-it-all’ Dutch sensation, he would solve their biggest problem

Come summer 2026, Manchester United’s biggest priority will be reshaping their engine room. With Casemiro leaving as a free agent and Manuel Ugarte, who was signed as his heir, still struggling to establish himself, the need to elevate standards in midfield leaves Ineos with little choice but to invest heavily in quality reinforcements. Several names have already been linked with Old Trafford, including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba. Yet Rio Ferdinand has introduced a wildcard option into the conversation. Ferdinand’s wildcard: Kees Smit Speaking on his YouTube channel about United’s transfer needs, Ferdinand urged the club also to consider looking beyond the obvious candidates: “There are others in the market as well, a couple of young ones,” said the legendary Red Devil. “Kees Smit, I like him a lot. If you don’t know who he is, go and have a look at him, guys! Kees Smit is a player. He’s a young midfielder, he can do a bit of everything really, and he’s performing to a very good standard.” Smit’s impressive performances in the Eredivisie and the Europa Conference League have certainly turned heads. United fans are not unfamiliar with him, as the AZ Alkmaar wonderkid keeps being linked with the club. Reports, well covered by The Peoples Person, underline how his resurgence continues to attract attention in M16. Rising interest across Europe It is not only United’s attention that has been caught; Newcastle United, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be closely monitoring his progress. One might wonder why, yet the answer lies in his press resistance, box‑to‑box dynamism, and ability to break lines. But it is not simply about controlling tempo; he also drives attacks with incisive passing, purposeful ball‑carrying, and even long‑range shooting. Altogether, he represents the complete package for a modern‑day midfielder. United’s Midfield Puzzle Whether United act on Ferdinand’s advice remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that this United team needs two or three high-quality midfield additions to transform a position of weakness into one of strength. Smit could be a brilliant option as part of that rebuild, especially if signed alongside one or two established midfielders. Such a combination would not only bolster United’s midfield but also provide the balance and creativity they have sorely lacked. Featured image Daniel Jayo via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.