Rio Ferdinand has had his say on Manchester United's plans to upgrade their midfield this summer, and has told them to abandon those plans to sign someone else instead.
The Red Devils have been strongly linked with a host of Premier League midfielders about a potential move to Old Trafford, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson understood to be the number one target.
The club have also shown an interest in Newcastle duo Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, with reports suggesting the club will make a formal approach for the Italian in the summer, while different reports say 'advanced talks' have been held for the Brazilian.
Rio Ferdinand: Man Utd Must Sign Kees Smit
Kees Smit
Ferdinand recently discussed his preference for Man Utd's midfield options, and agreed with Anderson being the top target ahead of Tonali and Guimaraes, insisting their age and hunger are factors.
But the former Reds captain and club legend has now admitted that he wants the club to go all-out to bring in Netherlands sensation Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar after watching him this season, insisting that they 'cannot allow him to go elsewhere'.
"Kees Smit is the truth man, I'm telling you," he said.
"He's one you go, 'I'm buying him'. It doesn't have to be for now. I hope he does come in and takes the world by storm, but if we've got to wait six months to a year for him, I do not care. We cannot let him go elsewhere.
"I've seen him play a couple of times now and that's all I need to see. I've seen the clips... man. I've spoken to some guys in Holland, friends. The kid has got it.
Can Smit Solve Man Utd Midfield Problems?
Kees Smit
Smit has emerged as one of the top young midfielders in Europe this season, with the 20-year-old described as 'special', and attracting interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Newcastle United.
The youngster made his international debut for the Netherlands last month and is in contention to head to the World Cup, where he could explode onto the global stage.
His possession-heavy style of play is very similar to that of current boss Michael Carrick. GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT to break down his style of play and explain how he would fit into the Man Utd squad, and this was its response:
Kees Smit: technical, press-resistant midfielder; tidy in possession, strong awareness, progressive passer, operates between lines.
Strengths: ball retention, tempo control, spatial intelligence, composure under pressure.
Weaknesses: limited physicality, not a ball-winner, lacks elite pace.
Manchester United fit: suits possession-based build-up; complements a defensive midfielder, helps progression and control in midfield rotations.
Manchester United senior officials Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada look on Related
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