Rio Ferdinand, a Manchester United star, says the Red Devils should recruit Declan Rice and John McGinn because they are “excellent personalities.”
Ralf Rangnick’s team are rumoured to be looking for a new central midfielder, and the West Ham and Aston Villa aces have been connected with the club on numerous occasions.
Rice, in particular, is thought to be near the top of the list, although the 22-year-old England international could demand a world-record sum to leave David Moyes’ side.
Paul Pogba, United’s central midfielder, is poised to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Rice and McGinn, Ferdinand believes, should be on United’s radar because they would add quality and personality to the side.
“Absolutely,” says the narrator. On his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand said, “I think you’re getting two good characters.”
“I believe that one of the most important components that we require is character – obviously, you look for a certain level of class and quality in the players.”
“However, I believe that if you’re going to improve, you need to build the appropriate characteristics inside this group going ahead — you need to get the culture right at the football club, and you need players to drive that.”
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“I think that’s a significant part that needs to be addressed if you’re buying and on the recruitment team this year.”
While United were able to sign Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, and Cristiano Ronaldo last summer, many United supporters, players, and commentators were disappointed by the club’s inability to sign a new deep-lying midfielder.
United’s midfield stalwarts Fred and Scott McTominay have come in for a lot of flak this season, albeit the latter has been particularly impressive in recent weeks.
At Old Trafford, Nemanja Matic has also left a lot to be desired. The Serbian is also nearing the end of his contract, which runs out in the summer of 2023.
Rice and McGinn, however, have shone in David Moyes’ and Steven Gerrard’s midfields, respectively.
And Ferdinand believes that United should steer clear of the more flamboyant and’sexy’ additions, instead focusing on players who would bring not only quality, but also character to the midfield.
“Some could argue, ‘Oh John McGinn isn’t a sexy enough signing,’ but I think he’s a very excellent footballer and, by all accounts, a very good lad.”
“Ferdinand said, “A terrific professional who is not scared to express what he wants to say to others in order to get the best out of them.”
“He’d be terrific in that role, and I believe he’d be adequate on the pitch. Is he going to help us win the Champions League and the Premier League? Probably not solely on the basis of ability, but I believe character matters a lot in this game.
“I’ve said enough about Declan Rice. This player, this man, I adore. If you want to be one of the best teams, you need form a team around him.”
