Looking ahead at Manchester United's potential next acquisitions, Rio Ferdinand was left aghast by one recent transfer the Red Devils have been linked with
Rio Ferdinand speaking during an interview looking shocked
Rio Ferdinand is not convinced by one player who has been linked with Manchester United
(Image: YouTube/Rio Ferdinand Presents)
Rio Ferdinand was left aghast by suggestions Manchester United could sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The former England international is currently a without a club after his contract at Everton expired this summer. However, the centre-forward believes a move to Old Trafford is possible and recently sacked his agent so he could potentially negotiate his own move to United, amid earlier links to the club.
The Red Devils recently signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for an initial £66.4million, but they may yet need another striker, with Rasmus Hojlund being linked with a move to AC Milan. When he heard about the speculation linking Calvert-Lewin to a move to Ruben Amorim's side, Ferdinand was anything but convinced.
On his show Rio Ferdinand Presents, the legendary United defender was told the 28-year-old could be an option by co-host Stephen Howson, who also said the club should sign him over keeping hold of Hojlund. Bemused, Ferdinand replied: "Dominic Calvert-Lewin, what are you chatting about?”
Ferdinand also believes Amorim should put some faith into 17-year-old academy graduate Chido Obi, adding: "Dominic Calvert-Lewin cannot stay fit. Why are you bringing him into this club? This club is built on the academy.
"You have Chido Obi just sitting there. Play him if you’re going to think about five or six games. Not somebody who is older and cannot stay fit.”
With Amorim now boasting Sesko, fellow new additions Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and the incumbent Joshua Zirkzee, Ferdinand believes Obi may only be needed for a handful of games next season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Everton FC at Craven Cottage on May 10, 2025 in London, England
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is believed to be after a move to Manchester United
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Last season, Calvert-Lewin missed 15 games through injury including every game from January 26 to May 5. He only contributed three goals in 26 Premier League appearances for the Toffees.
When he was playing his best football in 2019, United were linked with a £50m move for Calvert-Lewin, who has four goals in 11 international caps for England. The picture is now completely different, as the 28-year-old is currently without a club.
A move to United may soon open up for him, as Hojlund is now looking for an exit so he can play regular football. The Red Devils have already spent more than £200m on Cunha, Mbeumo, Sesko and young defender Diego Leon.
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United warms up during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 09, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Hojlund may soon be set for the Old Trafford exit door
They have also been courting Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who is believed to be valued by the Seagulls at around £100m. Calvert-Lewin could prove to be a cost-effective option for Amorim and his staff.
United's campaign begins with a huge clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford. They then face a difficult away trip to Fulham, before hosting newly promoted Burnley.
The heat will then be turned up even more as they travel to the Etihad Stadium for the Manchester Derby, before hosting Chelsea, who have looked dangerous in the summer having won the Club World Cup and comfortably beaten Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan in pre-season.