Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has firmly shut down the idea of the Red Devils making an unexpected transfer swoop for a player who “can’t stay fit.”
Ruben Amorim has been able to add new talent in certain key positions in his Manchester United first-team squad amid the summer transfer window.
The 40-year-old United manager has been able to overhaul his attacking set-up with the big-money signings of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo.
Ruben Amorim has needed to bolster the Red Devils’ attacking output after United’s disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League table in the 2024-25 season.
The Red Devils had been chasing a new striking option this summer and United landed former RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko ahead of Newcastle last week.
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Former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand presents on TNT Sports after the Europa League match between Manchester United and Lyon at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand’s telling reaction to Dominic Calvert-Lewin amid Man Utd being linked with the former Everton striker
Manchester United have been linked with Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer and the former Everton striker is currently a free agent after his exit from Everton.
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The 28-year-old former England international left the Toffees in June after his contract expired at the end of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on the hunt for a new club after becoming a free agent and the Red Devils were one of the names floated around as a potential suitor for him.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand was baffled at the suggestion that United should try to sign Calvert-Lewin when they already have teenager Chido Obi.
When discussing United being linked with Calvert-Lewin, he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin? What are you chatting about, bruv?
“Calvert-Lewin can’t stay fit. No. Why would we bring him into this club? This club is built on the academy and we’ve got Chido Obi sitting there.
“Play him [Chido Obi] if you just need someone for a few games rather than someone who’s older and can’t stay fit.”
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Rio Ferdinand makes his position clear on what it would mean if Man Utd sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been linked with Leeds United, netted 71 times and registered 22 assists during his 273 appearances for Everton after he arrived from Sheffield United for £1.5m in 2016.
The ex-Everton star’s spell at the Premier League club was disrupted by injuries and Calvert-Lewin only found the back of the net three times in 26 matches last season.
United legend Ferdinand is firmly against the idea of the Red Devils trying to sign Calvert-Lewin and he feels that the move would send the wrong kind of “message.”
“Sign Calvert-Lewin? On what grounds? No, I’m sorry, I disagree massively, I disagree massively,” he added.
“What message does that send to the rest of the Premier League, or more importantly, to your squad?”
United will begin their 2025-26 Premier League season under Ruben Amorim on Sunday, with the Red Devils hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford for their opening match.