RIO FERDINAND has told Ruben Amorim to ditch plans for a striker and instead break the bank for Brighton’s rising star Carlos Baleba.
The former Manchester United legend believes his old club should focus on shoring up their midfield rather than splashing out on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Despite the Slovenian being linked with a move to and sparking interest from and , Ferdinand reckons the would be better spent elsewhere.
With United’s struggling last season - and managing just seven Premier League goals between them.
The Red Devils have already invested heavily in attack, bringing in and for a combined £133.5 million.
But neither Cunha nor Mbeumo play as a traditional No 9, leading many to question whether Sesko would be the right fit.
Ferdinand isn’t sold on the idea of spending big on the young forward who are not Premier League proven.
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“Do we really want to gamble on a player who’s still raw?”
Instead of Sesko, Ferdinand’s attention has turned to the engine room, with the former defender tipping Baleba as the perfect fit for the Premier League giants.
On the Cameroonian midfielder who , Ferdinand said: “There’s only one name I’m thinking about, I’ve got to be honest, who I think fits for what we need.
“If it were me, I’d splash the cash on Baleba.
“He’s got the , the legs, the tactical awareness - everything you need to dominate midfield.”
The 21-year-old Cameroonian midfielder was a key figure in Brighton’s midfield last season, making 34 appearances after joining the Seagulls from Lille for £26 million.
His all-action style and ability to drive the ball forward have made him one of the most exciting young talents in the league.
Ferdinand continued: “Baleba is exactly what United need - a box-to-box who can do it all.
“He’s got Premier League experience, and he’ll free up other midfielders to focus on attacking. He’ll have a massive impact on this squad.”
Given Baleba’s impressive rise, Ferdinand believes United should go all in to secure him, rather than risk spending big on an unproven forward like Sesko.
He added: “If I’ve got the money, I’m going for Baleba every day of the week.”
United are currently in the U.S where their continuing their games with one interesting game against coming.
will hope they can get their first win after the 0-0 draw against United last week in Stockholm.
There is an injury boost update in the team after goalkeeper Andre Onana who picked up an injury just after returning from his responding to treatmnet and likely to return sooner than later.
