Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has named the “wonderful” Premier League star that the Red Devils’ hierarchy "need to sign" this summer if they are to continue piecing together a revival. Under Michael Carrick’s short-term interim management, there are already encouraging signs that the club may be rediscovering some of their former identity.
The ex-Middlesbrough boss boasts an unbeaten record as Man United manager across two interim spells (2021 and 2026). In his most recent stint, he has picked up 23 points from 10 Premier League games so far, averaging 2.30 points per game - form that stands taller than any other side in the division over the same period.
Whether Carrick will still be in the hot seat beyond the summer remains up for debate, with INEOS keeping their options open. But whoever takes on what is often described as the most stressful job in football will need backing in the transfer market—and Ferdinand believes he knows exactly who should be top of the club's wishlist.
Ferdinand Names Premier League Player Man United Must Sign
Rio Ferdinand
Midfield reinforcement poses as a priority with Casemiro set to leave Old Trafford and Manuel Ugarte likely to follow over the coming months, and Ferdinand has singled out Nottingham Forest and England ace Elliot Anderson as the ideal candidate that "ticks all the boxes" and can take Man Utd’s midfield to the next level.
The 47-year-old also revealed that he would avoid trying to reignite interest in Carlos Baleba, who has gone "off the boil" since he was linked to a switch away from Brighton last summer. Ferdinand said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, as per The Sun:
“Beginning of the season, everyone was talking about Baleba, he seems to have gone off the boil a little bit form wise. Elliot Anderson, he seems to have jumped to the front of the queue. I think he’s a wonderful player. I think Elliot Anderson is the right type not only of player but character, I think he’d be a good addition to the squad.
I just think the type of midfielder United need is somebody who is a bit more all-action, who can cover ground, who is dynamic, who is robust, strong, who can drive a team. Right now, Anderson seems to be ticking those boxes. But I think there are a few other young guns out there who I won’t mention their names yet because I don’t want anyone else to get on that scent.”
Elliot Anderson
Anderson's brilliant start to the season at Nottingham Forest was rewarded with a first England call-up and subsequent cap in the 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Andorra last September. The 23-year-old made the most of his opportunity, too, with a player of the match display that had Thomas Tuchel saying that it was as if he had already played 50 times for his country.
Another three really solid displays have since followed, and Anderson has certainly made a good case for starting alongside the more reputable names of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham across the pond at the World Cup next summer. In a team brimming with big talent, it's the system players that ensure any golden generation doesn't get too carried away, and his team-first mentality could work wonders in the Three Lions' pursuit of silverware, as well as United's road to redemption.
Other Transfers United Must Look To Make in Summer
Michael Carrick
Ferdinand is adamant an experienced midfielder should be signed along with a younger understudy. The pundit also added that Man Utd should also go for a full-back as well as a younger forward that can shadow the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
He continued: “If United go and get four players in the next window and two of those are starters, then I think that’s a realistic transfer window. If I was the club, my priorities would be two central midfielders, one who starts and maybe a younger one who you can blood in here and there around Bruno [Fernandes], Kobbie [Mainoo] and the one you bring in.
“I would also go for another forward, a younger one who is going to be more of a back-up to what we’ve already got. And I would go for a full-back. That’s it. I know you can say you want ten new players and most positions can be improved but I don’t think you need a huge revamp, it’s still a lot, but that’s realistic.”