Rio Ferdinand explains key reason why he’d “be happy” to play alongside one Man United star

Rio Ferdinand isn’t quite ready for Premier League football right now, but he would be excited to play alongside one of Manchester United’s current stars.

Ferdinand, 45, was once one of the best defenders in the Premier League, winning six titles with Manchester United during his playing career.

The defence at Old Trafford since the iconic partnership between Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic has often been inconsistent.

Summer signings of Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro will hopefully sure up the defensive line at the club but Ferdinand believes it is another player who could have the impact there.

Manuel Ugarte is an “old school” midfield player who will help protect the backline, Ferdinand says, and is a player the former centre-back would have enjoyed playing alongside.

“He keeps it simple, keeps it ticking. He is always available, always showing, but don’t expect him doing 30 to 40-yard passes and things like that, or breaking the lines,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.

“I think he’s an economical kind of footballer – he’s an old school, proper number six. Defensive, sit there, sure things up.

“A type of number six that, sitting in front of me as a centre back, you’ll be happy to have in front of you because he’s going to protect.

“Fingers crossed. That type of player, that profile, that’s what to expect from someone like him and I’m looking forward to seeing him play.”

Ugarte’s first game for the club could come this weekend against Liverpool, with the two clubs facing off on Sunday afternoon.

The club would need to secure Premier League registration for the new signing ahead of the weekend in that case.

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