Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits he would welcome both Declan Rice and John McGinn to Old Trafford this summer.
McGinn is enjoying another excellent season for Aston Villa, while Declan Rice shows the world that he’s ready for a big move away from West Ham.
On top of that, United are expected to strengthen their midfield in the summer transfer window.
Rio Ferdinand’s popular YouTube show, Vibe with Five, welcomes questions from the listeners each week.
And, on the latest episode, the former United defender was asked if he would be happy to see Rice and McGinn at United.
Ferdinand said: “Yeah, massively. I think you’re getting two good characters.
“I think character is one of the main elements that we need – obviously you look for a certain amount of class and quality in the players.
“But I think you need to build the right characters within this squad going forward if you’re going to improve – get the culture right at the football club and you need players to drive that, so if you’re buying and are in the recruitment team this year, I think that’s a big element that needs to be addressed.
“I think some would say, ‘oh John McGinn not a sexy enough signing’, but I think he’s a very good player and by all accounts a very good lad, a great professional, not afraid to say what he wants to say to people to get the best out of them.
“He’d be good in that element and on the pitch I think he would be good enough. Is he going to elevate us to being Champions League and Premier League winners?
“Probably not based on just ability, but I think character stands for a lot in this game.”
McGinn has been linked with a move to United, as per the Manchester Evening News.
As well as having a willingness to run all day long, McGinn is technically excellent – and he seems a good leader to boot.
Moreover, what these comments tell us, at the very least, is that Ferdinand feels the midfield lacks character and bite.
We already know that the dressing room lacks leaders.
Ferdinand isn’t be wrong and that is why United are being constantly linked with a potential transfer move for Rice, who has gone from Chelsea reject to one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Sky Sports suggest it will be United and Rice’s former club competing for his signature this summer.
Ferdinand also says Rice is good enough to build a team around.
