Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United need to build their team around 2 key stars following Wayne Rooney's recent comments about the squad
Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United should build their team around Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo this summer. The pundit's comments come after Wayne Rooney's damning assessment of the club's squad.
The Red Devils played their final home game of the season against Newcastle United this week (May 15), securing a 3-2 victory. Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Rooney claimed that United should plan a massive exodus of the squad this summer, retaining only Fernandes and the young players.
Ferdinand agreed with his former teammate's statement to a large extent but added that they shouldn't sell Mainoo either. He urged the club to model their new team around the 19-year-old and Fernandes. Responding to Rooney's comments, the former Manchester United center-back said in an interview with the Daily Mail:
"I think that's going to happen anyway, a lot of the players will be on the market. "
He added:
"Whether that happens or not, I don't know, but for the players they've got if they're going to build around one of them, it would be Bruno for me - with Kobbie Mainoo as well."
It has been reported that Manchester United are planning a major squad overhaul in the summer. They are willing to sell everyone except Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo, and Alejandro Garnacho. However, United boss Erik ten Hag has rubbished the claim, labeling it a joke.
What Wayne Rooney said about Manchester United's squad
After Manchester United's win over Newcastle, Wayne Rooney offered a brutal evaluation of what his former side needs to challenge for Premier League titles again.
He acknowledged that some players have had a good campaign this season. However, the retired striker insisted that the Red Devils must keep Fernandes and the younger players alone in a major clearout this summer.
He said (via GOAL):
"You have to build the team around Bruno. He's quality and has got fight in him, and then I think all the other players, get rid of them."
Rooney added:
"I think you keep the young players, and you keep Bruno. I think it has to be a massive clear out. It has to be. It's not going to be in one year, but I think it's going to be in the next couple of years... I think [Andre Onana] has had a shaky start but has got better and better over the year."
"For me, [Diogo] Dalot's done well, [Harry] Maguire has had an in-and-out season. To compete in this league they need better players. Don't get me wrong, these players are good players. But to compete with Man City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, they need better players."
Manchester United are eighth in the Premier League table, level on points with seventh-placed Newcastle and three points behind Chelsea in sixth.