Rio Ferdinand knows a thing or two about quality players.
The former United and England captain performed at the highest level, winning a host of trophies including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League and more.
Since his departure from the club, however, things haven’t quite worked out as well for United as when Ferdinand was running the backline.
Despite starting his career at West Ham United and then playing for our traditional rivals Leeds United, Ferdinand has now become a staunch United fan and can be seen celebrating passionately whenever the team do well.
With the transfer window now closed, the latest addition to the squad has been confirmed in the shape of Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.
After being linked with The Red Devils for much of the summer, the Moroccan was confirmed late last night as he joined the club initially on loan with an option to make that into a permanent move later down the line.
With fans in high anticipation of Amrabat, a player seen as someone who can help the likes of Casemiro shield the defence while giving Fernandes licence to kill opposition backlines, Ferdinand shared his own thoughts on the move.
“I managed to see him live at the World Cup two or three times and I think he was very good, even against France,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel.
“Defensively he’ll give us great cover for someone like Casemiro if he gets suspended or needs resting.
“At times we’ll need to play two sixes, and he’ll be someone who can come in and that’s what he’s there to do. He’s a skilled six, deep player, that’s his role.
“We’ve had players like Fred, McTominay – no disrespect, they wanted to do well – but I’ve always said when you look at their player ID, there was never defensive nous in their kit.
“This guy has that, that’s his game.
“He’s an enforcer, he stops other teams playing, he’s very cute positionally and he’s very disciplined. Those are traits you need as a defensive midfielder.”
From his comments, it’s clear that Ferdinand is excited about what Amrabat will bring to Erik Ten Hag’s side.
And United fans will hope that Ferdinand’s analysis will come true and Amrabat becomes the exact enforcer that the side badly need.
