Latest news with #RioPresents
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd star has 'risen from the dead' under Ruben Amorim after five transfer offers
Rio Ferdinand says one player in particular has thrived at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, with five clubs recently registering an interest in the seasoned star after a career resurgence Rio Ferdinand feels Harry Maguire has practically 'risen from the dead' under Ruben Amorim. The seasoned centre-half joined Manchester United back in 2019, but his Old Trafford tenure has been far from plain sailing. Maguire played a big part in the club's eighth-place finish under Erik ten Hag in the 2023/24 campaign. As a result, the 32-year-old received a wealth of criticism for his performances on the pitch by fans, pundits and club legends alike. Maguire was phased out under Ten Hag as United kicked off last season, deemed surplus to requirements by the Dutchman. But when Amorim arrived as his successor in November, the Sheffield-born player was able to fight his way back into the team and show some incredible individual performances – despite United ultimately finishing in 15th in the Premier League. As a result, Maguire now appears to be a part of Amorim's plans for the new season. While he is out of contract next summer, and with a wealth of interest coming from three Premier League clubs – as well as two teams in Italy – it seems increasingly likely that Maguire will stay put. All five transfer approaches were knocked back by United, as per The Daily Mail. Maguire is said to be keen on signing another extension, which would see him retire at Old Trafford. While the club are said to be on the same page, no formal talks have begun as of yet. Speaking about Maguire's career resurgence on his Rio Presents podcast alongside Joel Beya, Ferdinand was quick to praise the character and resilience he had shown in hard times. The former Manchester United and England star said: "I ain't got that bad energy energy for players or for the club, I want them to do well. But if they don't play well, I'm gonna say what I see, and I had that discussion with Harry Maguire." Ferdinand added: "We had the tough questions like that, what's it like you having criticism? And someone who risen from the dead almost, shown character. He was down and out, but he's come back. So to show that character and resilience, it was nice to just get beneath the skin and talk with him about it." Maguire's decision to remain at Old Trafford last summer despite Ten Hag's decision has seemingly paid dividends, with Amorim since finding a role in the squad for the former club captain and rewarding him with a one-year contract extension in January. On top of that, Amorim has also included Maguire in a six-man leadership group alongside Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Tom Heaton, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui, as he looks to utilise the passing down of experience of senior players to younger members of the squad. Speaking about the cohort, Amorim said: "We have a leadership group now. It's not just Bruno. It's not just Harry. It's six guys. They are responsible for the group. There are some things that in the last year I had to deal with and I said to them this season, you deal with that. "Small issues are with you guys. You're responsible. All these small changes, but I think it's helping the group. We have Bruno, we have Harry, Licha [Martinez], Diogo, Tom and Nous." Maguire has also excelled during United's pre-season tour of America, starting in the side's 4-1 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League Summer Series. It will be interesting to see if he starts when United face Fiorentina at Old Trafford come Saturday. Their Premier League opener follows on Sunday, August 17 against Arsenal, where Maguire could face former Red Devils target Viktor Gyokeres, who Amorim knows all about from their time together at Sporting CP.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Danny Welbeck thinks Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim could be signing a world-beater next
As Manchester United ponder the signing of a midfielder, Ruben Amorim may benefit from hearing the thoughts of Danny Welbeck, who plays alongside one of their new top targets Danny Welbeck has previously tipped Manchester United transfer target Carlos Baleba to become one of the best midfielders in the world. United head coach Ruben Amorim has mainly focussed on bolstering his attack this summer, but is turning attention to the middle of the park. The Red Devils began the transfer window by signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5million, before going on to splash £71million on Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, while 18-year-old defensive prospect Diego Leon also arrived in-between those arrivals. RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is also closing in on a mega-money move to Old Trafford, and it seems that once that deal is done, United could turn to Baleba, having now been linked with a swoop for the Cameroon international. The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder, who has previously been admired by Chelsea, has caught United's eye with his impressive performances for Fabian Hurzeler's side. He has also more than impressed team-mate and former United forward Welbeck, who believes Baleba has the potential to become one of the best in world football. In an interview with BBC Radio Sussex back in November last year, Welbeck explained his thoughts on the 21-year-old. The ex-Arsenal forward said: "He can be unstoppable. If he keeps up with that desire and passion, he can go right to the top. He's got all of the attributes to be a world-beater.' Welbeck is not the only former United star who has been impressed by Baleba. Rio Ferdinand recently admitted he would like to see his former side try and sign the promising box-to-box midfielder. Speaking on his Rio Presents podcast, the former England and United skipper said: "I'm being greedy, and [if] we are able to shift the other players that are surplus to requirements, I'd be going for Baleba in midfield. "[He] beats the press on a regular basis. [He's] confident on the ball. [He] can move, is mobile. He is a Ruben Amorim midfielder.' According to The Athletic, United have already made contact with Brighton about a potential move for Baleba. However, it's also claimed the Red Devils would need to sell some unwanted players such as Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho, before they can make a meaningful bid for Baleba. The midfielder has three years left on his deal, which gives the Seagulls plenty of room to demand a high fee. Two seasons ago, Brighton extracted £115m from Chelsea for Moises Caicedo, a Premier League record transfer at the time. It's understood Brighton may demand a similar transfer fee for Baleba, although United are thought to value him at around £70m. When asked about the Red Devils' interest in Baleba, Brighton chief executive Paul Barber told spectators at a supporters event: "We will always try to make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but for us. "If we end up doing that with any player, it's with the view to leave Fabian [head coach Hurzeler] with a very competitive squad, whatever happens. We don't want to sell our best players. "Carlos is a fantastic talent who has a lot of years ahead of him. We hope he will be here for many years to come. But it's something that, as always, is subjective to the dynamics of the football world, which isn't always predictable."
Daily Mirror
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Rio Ferdinand shows true colours with Liverpool comments: 'Exceptional and outrageous'
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has warned the rest of the Premier League that Liverpool's massive spending this summer means Arne Slot's side mean business in the upcoming season Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has warned that it would be "lights out" for the rest of the Premier League if Liverpool complete the signing of Alexander Isak. The ex-England star also eulogised over Liverpool's business this summer. Despite already securing the services of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, the Reds maintain an active interest in 25-year-old Swedish striker Isak, with the player having informed Newcastle that he would like to explore a move away from the club. Isak is not on their pre-season tour of Asia either as speculation over a huge switch to Anfield intensifies. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, however, has confirmed they are yet to receive any formal offers for Isak, but officials at St James' Park are said to be keen on RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko as they ramp up their search for a potential replacement. While a transfer for Isak remains in a state of flux, speaking on his podcast, Rio Presents, Ferdinand waxed lyrical over the Reds' activity this summer. Despite being an icon of Liverpool's greatest rivals, Ferdinand – rather than show any bias – couldn't help show his true colours as a football pundit and relay his real belief that Isak would help secure Arne Slot a second Premier League title on the spin. "Liverpool's transfer window has been nothing short of exceptional so far. It's been an outrageous transfer window, and if they get Isak – it's lights out for the Premier League," Ferdinand said. "They've got a squad there, they've got a hierarchy, they look stable, they look solid. It's gone too well and if they get Isak, it's over." Liverpool are hunting for attacking reinforcements, particularly with Luis Diaz poised to join Bayern Munich. Slot and club chiefs believe that Isak would suit their forward line perfectly and link up well with new signing Ekitike, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69 million last week. However, luring Isak away from St James' Park won't be straightforward, with the Magpies said to be demanding a whopping fee of up to £150 million to sell their prized asset, reports the Liverpool Echo. Newcastle have attributed Isak's continued absence to a minor thigh problem, having also omitted him from their squad for their pre-season clash away at Celtic. When quizzed about his star forward's future, Howe said: "He is still our player. He's contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him." Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, have gone on a summer splurge, with nearly £300m spent so far. Former Red and prolific goalscorer Robbie Fowler reckons Isak would be the perfect finishing touch to a frenzied few months of activity. "As a Liverpool fan, we would all love to see him, wouldn't we," Fowler told The RedMen TV. "When you look at the Premier League and the goals he scored last year, the types of goals and his performances, he was phenomenal. Hopefully, he can carry that on, and hopefully it will be at Liverpool. "If you were to pick one player from the Premier League last year who you would have wanted to sign for Liverpool, he would probably be on 90 per cent of people's lips. We probably needed that pivotal striker on the pitch last season. He could be the difference if he were to come."
Daily Mirror
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Rio Ferdinand responds to Bruno Fernandes snubbing £300m offer – 'Are you mad?'
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has said he would have found it tough to turn down the money on offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal after Bruno Fernandes decided against a transfer Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Bruno Fernandes for rejecting the eye-watering sums on offer from the Saudi Pro League – whilst also questioning whether the star is "mad" for turning it down. The Manchester United captain was the subject of a failed approach from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal earlier this summer. Reports claimed that the club were armed with a £300million package to secure the star, with £100m heading to United and a remarkable £200m contract awaiting Fernandes himself. Ferdinand, whilst commending the Portuguese midfielder for his loyalty to United, couldn't resist sharing his amazement at the 30-year-old spurning the Saudi club's fortunes. When quizzed about what he would do when faced with such riches on his podcast, Rio Presents, the former United defender said: "I'm gone," prompting laughter from podcast colleagues Stephen Howson and Flex. Ferdinand then explained: "If I'm 25, I'm not [heading to Saudi Arabia]. Don't forget, in our era, China was about – I wouldn't have gone." Discussing the contrast between the appeal of the Saudi Pro League compared to the former influence once wielded by the Chinese Super League, he added: "In money terms, back then it [Chinese Super League] was [as persuasive as Saudi Arabia]. It's not in terms of location, but it wouldn't have even turned my head going [to] China. "But I'm sitting here now, my career is finished, and you look at things differently, and you're turning away £50m a year – I'm offski bruv, get me a lifejacket and I'm swimming there," he joked. When asked about his opinion on Fernades for rejecting the lucrative offer, Ferdinand responded: "I rate him, but are you mad? "I respect it so much and the fans will love him more. He's looking at legacy. We know that this guy [Fernandes] is now about legacy [and not the money]." Earlier in the summer, Ferdinand reiterated his sentiments, stating he would have understood if Fernandes had chosen to leave United. "I think he's in the game of wanting to give back after all he's received," Ferdinand said to Mirror Football. "So I've got nothing but respect for him. I would have understood him leaving if he left, 100%. If I was him, I think I'd have found it difficult to say no. I've got to be honest." During a press conference for his national team in early June, Fernandes disclosed that he rejected Al-Hilal's incredible offer after discussions with United manager Ruben Amorim. "It would have been easy to move there [Al Hilal]. I know the Portuguese players there very well," he admitted. "But I want to play at the highest level and compete for major titles. I can do that, and I still want to. I spoke to coach Amorim. He asked me not to go." Following United's loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, Fernandes was candid about his future with the club. He stated that he would leave the decision regarding his future to United officials, with the club considering selling several of their star players this summer after a disappointing season. "I have always been honest. I've always said I will be here until the club says to me that it's time to go," he said (via the Manchester Evening News). The 30 year old has been a key player for United, scoring 98 goals and providing 87 assists in 290 matches across all competitions since his transfer from Sporting CP in January 2020.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arsenal told why Declan Rice could be first to leave if trophy drought continues
Declan Rice has been highlighted as the one Arsenal player who could leave should the club's trophy drought continues. Defeat last week in the Champions League semi-finals means the Gunners will finish the season empty-handed for the fifth year in a row. Advertisement Rice has been a transformative signing for Mikel Arteta since arriving for £105million two years ago and was instrumental in Arsenal reaching the Champions League last four by scoring two free kicks against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. But Rio Ferdinand believes Rice, who won the Conference League with West Ham weeks before leaving, would be among the first to get starting looking elsewhere should Arsenal continue to fluff their lines in search of silverware. If you're not winning trophies, I could see him maybe getting itchy feet at least Rio Ferdinand on Declan Rice "I think Declan is a bit of a throwback, there's a difference to him," Ferdinand said on the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents. Advertisement "He would want to get the job done [win trophies] before he thought about going anywhere. I think he would be that type. I could be wrong but from knowing Declan, I think that's where he would sit." Ferdinand then added: "If he goes another season without winning then maybe he might start looking ... Declan hasn't gone to Arsenal for money or fame. He's gone there to try and improve himself and win. "If you're not doing that, I could see him maybe getting itchy feet at least, but I think it's too early to say." Rio Ferdinand speaking on his podcast on Monday (Rio Presents/YouTube) Ferdinand was responding to comments made by Jamie Carragher, who suggested Rice may start having serious "doubts" about his future at the Emirates if Arsenal continue failing to win trophies. Advertisement "I don't think right now, I think maybe for other players who've been there a bit longer," Carragher said on Sky Sports following Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend. "But in terms of Declan, I think he's been Arsenal's best player this season. I think those doubts maybe kick in in another 12 months."
