Rio Ferdinand has said he is “hopeful” in the lead-up to the Premier League season, but he has made a transfer plea, with more signings needed
Manchester United have struggled to assert themselves in the transfer market in the way that many fans thought they would at the beginning of the transfer window, with the Matheus Cunha transfer completed so quickly.
However, failing to sign Liam Delap after his £30 million move to Chelsea was confirmed, and the drawn-out negotiations for Bryan Mbeumo have set United back this summer, and it appears Mbeumo will only be able to play in two pre-season fixtures due to his fitness levels after signing.
Despite several links to goalkeeper targets, Andre Onana looks set to be Rúben Amorim’s first-choice next season, but even he won’t be available for pre-season after suffering a hamstring injury before the opening game against Leeds United.
United’s preparation has been seriously hampered ahead of the Premier League opener against Arsenal, but some stars have taken their opportunity and impressed the fans in the pre-season fixtures so far.
Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte partnered in Amorim’s double pivot against West Ham United, providing the platform for Bruno Fernandes to shine in an advanced role in a 2-1 victory for the Red Devils, leaving fans hopeful ahead of the new season.
Ferdinand speaks on next season’s hopes for Amorim’s side
Speaking on his YouTube channel after United’s pre-season fixture against West Ham, Rio Ferdinand has detailed his hopes for next season under Amorim after such a dismal campaign last year.
“I’m hopeful more than anything,” said Ferdiand when asked about next season. “There’s nothing to give me belief yet, I need to see it, the belief is obviously we’ve got two good signings (Cunha and Mbeumo) that know the Premier League.”
Ferdinand later gave his thoughts on last season, and how much the club need to improve before next season: “But again, I think we probably need one or two more still for me to go into the season and go ‘listen, I’m confident we can now finish in the top eight’.”
“At the moment, I’m still sitting there, going there’s a lot of hangover from last season, and if you start actually digging into last season, it starts depressing me.”
Mbeumo “frees up Amad” says Ferdinand
In the same YouTube video, Ferdinand spoke on Mbeumo’s impact at United and how he could help the team, noting Amad as a specific example.
“He’s [Mbeumo] versatile, he can play the 10”, said the former central defender. “He can also go up 9 if you want, and in the right wing position, he’s shown that his output is up there.”
“You’re bringing in a guy who knows how to put the goal in the back of the net, also it frees up Amad to actually go and play right wing back in some games.”
“That gives you another weapon going forward,” suggesting Ferdinand believes that Amad at wing back could be the key for Amorim’s attack, although he did say Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are likely to play there as well as a “defensive option.”
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