Rio Ferdinand was ‘screaming’ for Man United to sign ‘magnificent’ player before he joined Chelsea
Manchester United’s transfer business has slowly begun to pay dividends in the early parts of the season, but Rio Ferdinand thinks it could’ve been better.
Senne Lammens and Benjamin Sesko both impressed as Man United beat Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Despite the win, Ruben Amorim is still under heavy criticism at Man United, but the victory will give the Portuguese head coach some breathing room heading into the international break.
Lammens impressed Troy Deeney with his performance against Sunderland, as the Belgian shot-stopper grabbed his starting opportunity with full force.
Rio Ferdinand was imploring Man United to sign Moises Caicedo
Man United now seemingly have a goalkeeper who isn’t afraid to claim crosses and a number nine who can score goals, but they’re still down a combative midfielder with a good passing range.
If Rio Ferdinand had his way, that profile would already be at the club, with the ex-Manchester United defender revealing how badly he wanted the club to sign Moises Caicedo before he joined Chelsea.
Speaking on his podcast, Rio Presents, Ferdinand said: “I don’t think there’s much between them [Caicedo and Declan Rice], I’ve got to be honest with you.
“I’ll be happy having either one of them. I said both of them, when they were on the market to be sold, I was screaming for Man United to buy them because I saw the value in Caicedo.
“I think Caicedo would have been magnificent for Manchester United, given time, and I think Declan would have been a ridiculous signing as well. So I think he’s splitting hairs with them too, I’ve got to be honest.”
Moises Caicedo proved patience is a virtue against Liverpool
It feels disingenuous to call Caicedo’s performance against Liverpool a breakout game, but after the midfielder has spent two years under the cloud of his mammoth £115 million fee, he truly announced himself against the Reds.
The Ecuadorian has slowly grown into the season, providing good defensive cover at the base of midfield, and the 23-year-old is also adding more attacking prowess to his game.
| Moises Caicedo vs Liverpool | Stats |
| Goals | 1 |
| Pass accuracy | 88% |
| Defensive contributions | 11 |
| Passes into the final third | 3 |
| Ground duels | 4/8 |
Caicedo already has three goals in seven starts this season from the base of midfield, and his strike against Liverpool may have been the finest.
The ex-Brighton man was everywhere in the midfield, with an 88 per cent pass accuracy and 11 defensive contributions, as well as his goal.
While numerous big-money movers have already been written off by many, Caicedo is proof that, over time, quality will always shine through with patience.