(Photo via Rio Ferdinand on YouTube)
Rio Ferdinand would’ve loved to see Ezri Konsa donning a Manchester United shirt rather than an Arsenal one this season.
The defender joined the Gunners back in August in a £55 million switch from Aston Villa on a four-year deal.
How Konsa has been faring since swapping AVFC for AFC
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 10: Ezri Konsa of Arsenal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on October 10, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
He was brought in to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s solid backline following confirmation that William Saliba would miss the opening months of the campaign through injury.
Yet, Saliba’s absence has hardly been felt at the Emirates due to Konsa’s marvellous form, as he has settled in seamlessly in North London.
Ezri Konsa has the highest pass accuracy in the Premier League this season (96%). 🎯📊 pic.twitter.com/7Gs2UkV0OI — WhoScored (@WhoScored) November 1, 2026
Of the 10 starts that the England international has made across all competitions in 2026/2027, his side have kept six clean sheets and overseen eight wins.
Konsa started and played the full 90 minutes at Anfield on Sunday as Arsenal secured their first win at the stadium in a whopping 14 years.
The 29-year-old won 100 per cent of his ground duels attempted and four tackles, as well as making eight clearances and five ball recoveries.
What Ferdinand had to say about Konsa
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Ezri Konsa of Arsenal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Ipswich Town and Arsenal at Portman Road on September 15, 2026 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
When Saliba returns, Konsa’s versatility means he will still be in contention to retain his starting spot due to his ability to play at right-back – and Ferdinand thinks that will be the case.
“I said to my son yesterday, “watch Ezri Konsa”, because everything he does is efficient. That’s a great problem for Mikel Arteta to have,” said the former United star on his podcast.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Konsa goes back to right-back once Saliba comes back. I wouldn’t be surprised because Konsa is top.
“He’s a top, top player and another one I thought Manchester United should have got.”
United are planning to orchestrate a complete defensive revamp next year after prioritising the frontline and the midfield in the last two summer windows, so it remains to be seen what kind of names they’ll be able to bring in to compete with the likes of the Gunners
Michael Carrick talks at a press conference
Fabrizio Romano talks transfers on YouTube.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during the training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 at Carrington Training Ground on October 12, 2026 in Manchester, England.