Rio Ferdinand names two centre-backs Man United should sign in transfer window

Rio Ferdinand has stated that he would like to see Manchester United bolster their defensive options by bringing in Marquinhos from Paris Saint-Germain and Ronald Araujo from Barcelona.

United, who improved their center-back options with the purchase of Raphael Varane last summer, has struggled defensively this season, conceding more goals (40) than anybody else in the Premier League’s top eight. Injury problems, illness, and poor form have dashed United’s aspirations of having a stable backline throughout the season.

While Varane appeared confident when he was chosen, his teammate Harry Maguire had a rough campaign. He has been strongly chastised for committing costly errors on numerous occasions.

United have previously been linked with numerous center-backs, notably Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger, in order to enhance their defensive options next season. He is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer, and a number of United fans would like to see him join the club.

Ferdinand, on the other hand, has suggested who United should look to instead, naming Marquinhos and Araujo. In recent weeks, the latter, who is highly valued at Barcelona, has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

“I’d sign Marquinhos,” Ferdinand said Vibe in an interview with Five. “I’d sign the Uruguayan [Araujo] at Barcelona.”

Although United made a significant investment in their defensive alternatives last summer by signing Varane, questions regarding Maguire’s future at the club, particularly as captain, remain. Ferdinand, on the other hand, has shown sympathy for the former Sheffield United star, describing how every player goes through a period when Lady Luck is not on their side.

Ferdinand continued: “There are times in a career, as Harry Maguire is experiencing right now when everything you do appears to be a fault or a mistake.

“Every error you commit is punished and highlighted. Throughout my career, I made mistakes, but they didn’t score, the keeper got me out of it, or [Nemanja] Vidic made a tackle.

“That’s what happens in groups. Maguire needs a bit of luck to come out of this slump in form that he is now experiencing.”