'That Wouldn't Be My Choice' - Rio Ferdinand Urges Man United NOT To Sign £75m Premier League Duo
Rio Ferdinand believes that Manchester United should snub the opportunity to sign Ruben Neves from Wolves and Youri Tielemans from Leicester City in the summer transfer window.
United are expected to reinforce their midfield options at the end of the season amid growing concerns over the future of Paul Pogba.
Pogba, 28, will be out of contract in the summer and is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England ahead of a free transfer move.
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The Red Devils are keen for the Frenchman to renew his contract, with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Juventus prepared to swoop in for Pogba.
Both former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and interim boss Ralf Rangnick have used a midfield pairing of Scott McTominay and Fred.
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However, the McTominay and Fred partnership has been met with frequent criticism this season for underdelivering in the United midfield.
Neves, who is under contract with Wolves until 2024, has been linked with United and the 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been valued at around £40m.
Tielemans has also attracted interest from United, with the 24-year-old Belgian midfielder turning down offers to renew his current deal at Leicester.
It is believed that the Red Devils could land the Belgium international in the summer for as little as £35m, with Brendan Rodgers admitting the player could leave.
Ferdinand touched on the possibility of United signing Chelsea-linked Neves and hailed the Wolves star as a “fantastic” player.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, he said: “I like him, he’s fantastic, he keeps the ball as well as anyone, a really good footballer.”
However, Ferdinand wasn’t convinced by the idea of a United midfield trio of Neves, Tielemans and Bruno Fernandes next season.
The 43-year-old BT Sport pundit urged United not to splash out £75m to sign Neves and Tielemans, despite liking both Premier League midfielders.
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When asked about a midfield trio of Neves, Tielemans and Fernandes, Ferdinand responded: “That wouldn’t be my choice, I’ve got to be honest.
“I like them, good players, but if you think that midfield is getting you any closer to the other teams, I’d argue against it. Mobility-wise we’d be lacking.”
United picked up an important three points in their pursuit of a top-four finish after a thrilling 4-2 win over Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday.
The Red Devils are fourth in the Premier League table and are four points ahead of fifth-place West Ham.
Sixth-place Arsenal are four points adrift of United, too, but the Gunners have three matches in hand over Rangnick’s men.
Topics: Ruben Neves, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City, Rio Ferdinand, Premier League, England, Football, Man Utd
Adnan Riaz