Rio Ferdinand’s eye-opening assessment of a “meticulous young man” speaks volumes about what the “fabulous player” could offer Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim is still waiting for further reinforcements to arrive at Old Trafford in the summer transfer window ahead of the looming pre-season campaign.
The Red Devils entered the window early and Manchester United signed Matheus Cunha from Premier League side Wolves after triggering his £62.5m release clause.
Former Wolves ace Matheus Cunha is United’s first – and only – major summer signing of the transfer window so far for Amorim after a woeful 2024-25 season.
Amorim is expected to bolster his attacking options ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, with the Red Devils struggling in the final third last season.
United have been linked with Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham, and Sporting CP and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres.
READ MORE: Wayne Rooney already told Man Utd to sign striker who is comparable to Harry Kane and Erling Haaland for rare quality
Manchester United legend and former TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand during a Premier League match between Aston Villa and Fulham at Villa Park in 2025 in Birmingham.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
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What Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand said about Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins should be music to Ruben Amorim’s ears
Ollie Watkins has now been linked with Manchester United this summer and the 29-year-old Aston Villa striker has been tipped for a potential exit from Villa Park.
The Athletic reported that United have added Ollie Watkins to a potential list of strikers they could turn to if Rasmus Hojlund makes his exit from Old Trafford.
Inter Milan are interested in Rasmus Hojlund and the 22-year-old United and Denmark star struggled to impress as the sole striker in the frontline last season.
Watkins is under contract until 2028 with Aston Villa and the England international scored 17 times and registered 14 assists in 54 matches in the 2024-25 campaign.
Rio Ferdinand previously spoke highly of the United-linked striker and highlighted Watkins’ ability after he scored a brace in Villa’s 3-0 win over Newcastle.
“He couldn’t have done much more at all. He was magnificent,” he said after the Premier League match in 2023, as per The Daily Mail.
“I’m talking from a defender’s point of view, if you asked me who [you would] pick out of [Alexander] Isak, Wilson and Watkins, Watkins would give you a hard day’s work.
“He asks you all the questions a defender doesn’t want. Are you willing to run into areas you’re not comfortable with? Are you willing to match him physically?
“He’s already on the move, he’s brave, he takes the ball at all times, isn’t scared to make mistakes and he’s got a humility about the way he plays as well.”
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Why Rio Ferdinand’s remarks about Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins show he would suit Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim rolled out his tactical system at Old Trafford and neither Joshua Zirkzee nor Rasmus Hojlund has shown enough to ‘lock down’ the striking role.
The 40-year-old United manager needs a striking option like Ollie Watkins for his ability to be “brave” and not be afraid to make “mistakes” in the frontline.
Ferdinand highlighted all of the different qualities that Watkins can bring to the attack, but the United legend also pointed to the Aston Villa star’s elite work ethic.
“I think he’s a fabulous player,” he continued.
“I mentioned his journey, coming from the lower leagues, through the ranks up into this position, he feels like it’s a privilege to be playing at this level.
“He works hard, he’s a really diligent, meticulous young man and he’s always striving to improve.”
The ability to improve both on the pitch and off it and the flexibility that Watkins offers as an attacking threat would make him a natural addition to Amorim’s side.