Manchester United are reportedly wanted to sign Leicester City defender Harry Maguire in this summer transfer window but former the Red Devils defender, Rio Ferdinand has spoken out.
Speaking to media, Ferdinand prefers United to sign Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld to Maguire in the next transfer market in January.
“Harry Maguire has been very successful at the World Cup, but among the potentially available players he would not be my first choice,” Ferdinand said.
“I would go to Toby Alderweireld all day because he is suited to the way Manchester United plays but it will take more than a quality defender to energize them, and that’s where you have to respect the history of Jose Mourinho and his history of victories.
“Do I think he’ll still be manager of Manchester United this time next year? I hope so, because if he’s still there it means that they have succeeded and gained something.
“I would not write to him. He has won 20 trophies as a manager. He knows how to galvanize teams by sometimes inculcating a siege mentality and he will need all his dark arts to create the atmosphere of “Manchester United against the world” to make them formidable again.
“But it’s not just the new signatures that will be the catalyst. It’s the manager who sets the tone, and he has some big problems to settle.” Ferdinand added.
Manchester Unites want to sign a central defender amid interest in Harry Maguire. (Source:www.talksport.com)
The 39-year-old man also added that the Portuguese manager to make the best use of World Cup champion from France Paul Pogba.
“He has to push Paul Pogba to play for United as he did for France at the World Cup. Jose’s talent is undeniable, but can he make the most of it and play to maximize their abilities?” Ferdinand said.
“It will take a lot of Manchester United to win the title, and I’m afraid I’m surprised if they also seize the Champions League.” he added.
Leicester City defender Ben Chilwell, meanwhile, he said his team-mate Harry Maguire will not join Mourinho’s side in January.
“It’s very good to have Harry back. We all know what Harry is capable of, we all know good he is. He could have come here today and his head could have been all over the place, but he did brillianty.” Chiwell said.
