Football
Ferdinand hands Ruben Amorim transfer wishlist with FOUR signings Man Utd need
Rio Ferdinand has highlighted four key players he believes Ruben Amorim must bring to Manchester United this summer if the club is to get back on track.
The Red Devils, currently languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and sitting 15 points behind the top four, are in desperate need of a turnaround.
With only the Europa League offering a shot at silverware this season, Amorim’s first campaign at Old Trafford has been anything but smooth.
Since replacing Erik ten Hag, the Portuguese manager has implemented his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, a tactical shift from the former 4-2-3-1.
January saw limited reinforcements, with Patrick Dorgu joining from Lecce to fill the left wing-back void caused by injuries, and Ayden Heaven arriving from Arsenal to bolster the defensive options. But for Ferdinand, much more is needed.
Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents show, the ex-Manchester United defender outlined the profiles he believes could change the club’s trajectory.
While agreeing with Gary Neville’s claim that United need five new signings, Ferdinand settled on four standout names—acknowledging the club will have to navigate spending restrictions under Profit and Sustainability Rules.
First on his wishlist is a midfield partner for Manuel Ugarte—someone capable of linking the defense to the attack and freeing up Bruno Fernandes to operate more creatively.
Ferdinand singled out 21-year-old Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, whose rapid rise from Blackburn Rovers earned him a spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad. Wharton’s composure, vision, and technical ability make him an ideal fit.
Next, Ferdinand turned his attention to United’s striking woes. With both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling to carry the attacking burden, he urged the club to go all in for Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian striker, who played a pivotal role in Napoli’s historic Serie A title in 2022-23 by scoring 31 goals, has continued his form on loan at Galatasaray, netting 26 times for the Turkish leaders.
Ferdinand stressed that Osimhen’s experience, consistency, and killer instinct in front of goal are exactly what United’s youthful frontline needs. Reports have even suggested a possible swap deal involving Marcus Rashford once his Aston Villa loan ends.
Matheus Cunha was named as another target. The Brazilian forward has been in impressive form for Wolves this season, scoring 13 goals in 26 league appearances.
Despite signing a new long-term deal earlier this year, Cunha has hinted at wanting a new challenge.
Ferdinand sees him as a versatile and dynamic forward who could add depth and a different dimension to Amorim’s attack.
The final name Ferdinand pitched is Jeremie Frimpong, the dynamic right wing-back currently thriving at Bayer Leverkusen. A product of Manchester City’s academy, Frimpong has blossomed into one of Europe’s top attacking full-backs under Xabi Alonso.
This season, the Dutch international has contributed 11 assists and 4 goals in 43 appearances, helping Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title. His pace, work rate, and end product would bring an explosive option to Amorim’s system.
If Manchester United are serious about rebuilding and competing at the highest level, Ferdinand believes these four names—Wharton, Osimhen, Cunha, and Frimpong—could be the foundation of a new era at Old Trafford.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly determined to force a move to Barcelona this summer.
The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January and has impressed with four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery, although a recent hamstring issue has kept him sidelined.
Villa hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million this summer, but they have yet to decide whether to trigger it—and they do not possess first refusal, meaning Manchester United could sell him elsewhere.
Rashford was heavily linked with Barcelona in January, but financial constraints scuppered a deal and opened the door for Villa.
Rashford ’looking to force’ Barcelona switch
Despite enjoying his spell in the West Midlands, Barcelona remain Rashford’s preferred destination.
According to Sport, his representatives have approached the Catalan giants about a potential loan move, though United would need to subsidise part of his £325,000‑a‑week wages—or Barcelona would have to agree to a significant pay cut on his behalf.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia and across the Premier League are also monitoring the situation, but Rashford has made it clear that he only wants to join Hansi Flick’s side.
Would Man United accept another loan deal?
Selling Rashford this summer would count as pure profit for United under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, thanks to his home‑grown status.
While United are keen to reinvest any funds raised, it’s hard to see them agreeing to another loan—especially one that leaves them covering part of his salary.
That said, they might contemplate a move with a mandatory purchase clause in 2026, giving them both short‑term flexibility and long‑term certainty.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
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