1 week Ago By Callum Bishop
Rio Ferdinand has outlined the four players he believes Ruben Amorim should target to replicate the successful football he implemented at Sporting Lisbon with Manchester United . The 40-year-old Portuguese manager has been advised by many, including Gary Neville, that he needs to strengthen his squad in the upcoming summer to elevate the club's performance. Neville specifically mentioned that five new replacements were necessary.
Ferdinand echoed his former teammate's thoughts and went further by identifying the key areas that need improvement. He even suggested potential signings that would help Amorim's style of play if he were in charge at Old Trafford. Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged the club to sign the 'best striker in the world' for manager Ruben Amorim this summer.
Ferdinand Names English Midfielder As Ideal Partner For Ugarte Speaking on his Rio Presents podcast, the 46-year-old first pinpointed central midfield as a problem area, stating that United needed someone to partner Uruguayan ball-winner Manuel Ugarte, who could progress the ball further up the pitch. The ex-defender's solution was Crystal Palace's budding star Adam Wharton . The England international is not short of admirers, having impressed since moving to Selhurst Park in January 2024.
And Ferdinand broke down why he believes the 21-year-old was the perfect man to add to Amorim's engine room, amid rumours of United showing interest : "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 to the strikers. You know who I'd go for? Adam Wharton.
" GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Wharton ranks 70th in the Premier League for progressive passes this season (98), a statistic that current Manchester United player Bruno Fernandes tops (251). The Argentine changed the complexity of Manchester United's FA Cup tie recently - but Keane believes he should not be a regular starter. Ferdinand Names Three Other Signings He Would Make Moving further up the pitch, Ferdinand identified two attackers he thinks would help United be more clinical in the final third while also aiding the development of stars such as Rasmus Hojlund.
While the Red Devils have previously been linked with Viktor Gyokeres and Liam Delap , it was Victor Osimhen who was the first choice on Ferdinand's list. "Sorry Napoli and Galatasaray. If I'm Man United, Osimhen comes to Man United next year.
I'm making it happen," Ferdinand stated. "When Wayne Rooney signed here, he had Ruud van Nistelrooy to look at. When Diego Forlan came in, Ruud van Nistelrooy was here, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was here.
" The 46-year-old also said that he would bring in Matheus Cunha from Wolves, who is believed to be interested in a switch to Old Trafford and isn't put off by the prospect of no European football. The final position Ferdinand claimed he would upgrade is the right-wing back position, with Jeremie Frimpong his top target. The Dutchman has starred in recent years for Bayer Leverkusen, and the ex-Three Lions star believes he would be an upgrade on Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui.
However, he has also been touted as a future replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool. There is one standout winner across the board in all categories. All statistics courtesy of FBRef - accurate as of 08/04/2025.
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