Rio Ferdinand argues 'top-level' Man Utd target could be transformative 'benchmark' for three of Ruben Amorim's players

Rio Ferdinand has identified both the pros and cons for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim in pursuing one versatile attacking talent as a transfer target.

Ruben Amorim has already welcomed the arrival of key summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, as well as the acquisition of wonderkid Diego Leon.

The 40-year-old ex-Sporting CP manager is undergoing a vital Manchester United first-team squad rebuild at Old Trafford after a disastrous Premier League season.

The Red Devils finished in 15th place in the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign and United are without European football for the 2025-26 season.

Amorim, who arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting CP last November, is also expected to have a major clearout of the current United squad this summer.

The United manager has seen Marcus Rashford leave for Barcelona, while Antony, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Alejandro Garnacho are all on the chopping block.

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand is fully convinced ‘Amorim-type player’ would be perfect Man Utd signing, ‘huge impact on this squad…’

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Rio Ferdinand tells Man Utd and Ruben Amorim the ‘only drawback’ of signing Ollie Watkins, despite praising Aston Villa star

Ollie Watkins has been linked with Manchester United in the past and the 29-year-old Aston Villa forward once again re-emerged on the Red Devils’ transfer radar.

United are on the hunt for a new striking option this summer and Ollie Watkins was put on a shortlist of names as a potential replacement for striker Rasmus Hojlund.

United-linked Watkins has impressed during his time at Villa Park and the England international has been a key attacking option for Villa manager Unai Emery.

The Three Lions star is under contract with the Premier League club until 2028 and Villa are believed to have valued him in the region of £60m amid United’s interest.

Rio Ferdinand said that the “only drawback” for United in signing Watkins is that the England player’s age would eliminate a decent transfer “sell-on value” in the future.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, the United legend explained: “I think he would be a very, very good addition to the Manchester United squad.

“He scored 17 goals last season, 14 assists in 54 appearances.

“He’s 29, that’s the only drawback for Manchester United. There’s not going to be any sell-on value which I understand is an issue, but you’ve got to look at the here and now with Manchester United.”

READ MORE: All Man Utd players told they must pull off same ‘massive thing’ under Ruben Amorim, Mason Mount says ‘that’s the focus’

Rio Ferdinand backs the impact that Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins could have for three Man Utd players under Ruben Amorim

United have been linked with several different strikers since the summer window opened in June, including Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic.

The Red Devils have not managed to bring in a new striker ahead of the pre-season campaign and United are in a race to sign an attacker before the new season.

Ferdinand suggested that Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins could have a meaningful impact on the likes of Chido Obi, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.

“Manchester United need experience at the top of the pitch. They’ve got Hojlund, Zirkzee and Chido… young, inexperienced players,” he added.

“They need someone to look at and go, ‘That’s how you play as a number nine, that’s how you do it!,’ and when you buy someone who hasn’t got as much experience as I’d like, I think that’s another risk.

“I think Watkins would be a very good addition for the younger ones to look at and go, ‘Yeah, that’s the benchmark of someone who knows how to play the role.’

“He’s done it consistently at the top level for the last few years, he’s scored goals, Champions League football as well.”

United’s pre-season campaign kicked off against Leeds United in Sweden last week and the Red Devils are now in the United States for the next leg of their tour.

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