- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Rio Ferdinand Advises Man United on Midfield Transfer
Former player urges club to look beyond Sandro Tonali for key position
Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:32am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand offers strategic advice on the club's midfield transfer plans.Manchester TodayManchester United are expected to search for a new midfielder in the upcoming transfer window, with veteran Casemiro set to depart the club at the end of the current season. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has weighed in, advising the team to look beyond Italian star Sandro Tonali and instead pursue a different target to fill the crucial midfield role.
Why it matters
United's midfield has been a point of emphasis for the club, with the impending exit of Casemiro leaving a significant void to fill. Ferdinand's input as a respected former player carries weight, and his perspective on the team's transfer strategy could influence the club's decision-making process.
The details
In his analysis, Ferdinand has cautioned United against pursuing Tonali, the highly-rated AC Milan midfielder, suggesting the club should explore alternative options. The former England international believes United would be better served targeting a different profile of player to complement their existing midfield assets.
- Casemiro is set to leave Manchester United at the end of the 2022-23 season.
The players
Rio Ferdinand
A former English professional footballer who played as a defender, and is now a respected pundit and analyst.
Sandro Tonali
An Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for AC Milan.
Casemiro
A Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Manchester United.
What they’re saying
“I don't think Tonali is the answer for Manchester United. They need a different profile of player in that midfield area.”
— Rio Ferdinand, Former Manchester United Defender
What’s next
Manchester United will likely continue their search for a new midfielder in the upcoming summer transfer window, with Ferdinand's advice potentially influencing their strategy.
The takeaway
As Manchester United prepare for Casemiro's departure, the club must carefully consider their midfield reinforcements. Rio Ferdinand's perspective provides valuable insight, suggesting the team should look beyond high-profile targets like Sandro Tonali and instead pursue a different profile of player to best address their needs.
