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RIO FERDINAND has identified four players that Ruben Amorim should consider bringing in this summer.
The former Manchester United defender has highlighted the key positions that, in his opinion, Amorim needs to strengthen.
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The Red Devils find themselves in a challenging position, currently 13th in the Premier League, trailing the top four by 15 points.
United will clash with Olympique Lyon in an essential Europa League quarter-final matchup in France this Thursday, with this tournament being Amorim’s best shot at winning silverware in his first season at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese manager has made substantial tactical changes since taking over from Erik ten Hag, shifting from the previous 4-2-3-1 formation to a preferred 3-4-2-1 system that gained him admiration at Sporting Lisbon.
A modest amount was spent in the January transfer window, acquiring Patrick Dorgu from Lecce to cover for the injury crisis at left wing-back, alongside central defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal for added youth in the squad.
However, Ferdinand, during his Rio Ferdinand Presents Show, insists that four new signings could reverse the current situation at Old Trafford and help United return to success.
The six-time Premier League champion remarked: “I concur with Gary Neville that five players are needed, I think four or five, but financial constraints from [Profit and Sustainability Rules] may limit them.
“I would like to see a central midfielder to partner with [Manuel] Ugarte; that player has to be someone who can receive the ball and channel it to Bruno [Fernandes] and the forwards. And who would I suggest? Adam Wharton.”
21-year-old Wharton currently plays for Crystal Palace, having made a £22.5 million switch from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024, and his outstanding performances have earned him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
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Thus, Ferdinand has turned his attention to a striker who has been shining in the Turkish Super Lig this season.
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Ferdinand stated: “We need [Victor] Osimhen.”
“We need experience. Someone who knows where the goal is. We need a player who can come in and show these young forwards at Manchester United how to score.”
“If I were in control at Manchester United, I’d make that signing happen. I want someone with elite-level experience and the capability to score consistently. Osimhen has proven he can do that.”
Osimhen, a 26-year-old Nigerian forward, scored 31 goals in all competitions as Napoli claimed the Serie A title after 33 years during the 2022-23 season, followed by 17 goals the next season.
After a fallout with the Italian club, he was loaned to Galatasaray, where he has made a significant impact with 26 goals for the current Turkish league leaders.
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Previous reports from SunSport have indicated that Napoli and United could execute a remarkable swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and Osimhen, pending Rashford’s loan at Aston Villa ending at the close of the current season.
Ferdinand has also picked Matheus Cunha as his third significant target, noting the Brazilian’s uncertain future at Wolves as a key motivator for pursuing the transfer.
Ferdinand mentioned: “Another player I would target is Cunha.”
“He has made it clear that he wants to leave, so I’d go after Cunha.”
Last month, the forward hinted at his future at Molineux, stating he is contemplating “the next step,” despite having signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal with the club in February.
Cunha has scored 13 goals in 26 Premier League matches this season, and his goal-scoring prowess and adaptability across the attack make him a strategic signing for Amorim.
The last name Ferdinand suggested was a former Manchester City academy player who has gained recognition in the Bundesliga as one of Europe’s prime right wing-backs.
Ferdinand added: “You also know who I’d chase? [Jeremie] Frimpong at right wing-back.”
Frimpong, who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen, has been mentioned as a possible successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool.
At 24 years old, he has made 43 appearances across all competitions for Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga champions, contributing 11 assists and netting four goals.
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