‘Only one name' – Rio Ferdinand tells Ruben Amorim to forget Sesko and names Prem star Man Utd must ‘break the bank' for
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.
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Despite the Slovenian striker being linked with a move to Old Trafford and sparking interest from Arsenal and Newcastle, Ferdinand reckons the money would be better spent elsewhere.
With United's frontline struggling last season – Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee managing just seven Premier League goals between them.
The Red Devils have already invested heavily in attack, bringing in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo 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.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 46-year-old said: "I'm not really doubting [Sesko] as a player. I'm saying Man United need experience at the top of the pitch.
"They've got Hojlund, Zirkzee, and Chido – they're young and inexperienced.
"They need someone who can show them how to lead the line at the highest level.
"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 exclusively told the Sun that he wanted to win the Ballon D'or, Ferdinand said: 'There's only one name I'm thinking about, I've got to be honest, who I think fits the bill for what we need.
"If it were me, I'd splash the cash on Baleba.
"He's got the energy, 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 dynamo 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.'
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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 pre-season games with one interesting game against West Ham coming.
There is an injury boost update in the team after goalkeeper Andre Onana who picked up an injury just after returning from his holidays responding to treatmnet and likely to return sooner than later.
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The Independent
10 minutes ago
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Poll of the day: Should England's Euro 2025 win be marked with a bank holiday?
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