RIO FERDINAND has picked out TWO defenders Manchester United must chase in next summer’s transfer window.
United are desperate to recruit at least one centre-back in 2024.
And Ferdinand reckons Lens’ Kevin Danso and Barcelona star Ronald Araujo would be ideal choices to bolster United’s backline.
Injury-prone Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez – who has been sidelined after having required surgery on his foot again – has weakened United’s defensive ranks.
Erik ten Hag’s struggling side have shipped 13 goals in 11 games this term.
With Harry Maguire’s long-term future uncertain and both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof’s contracts expiring next summer – United need to act next year.
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Former Red Devils star Ferdinand, 44, has had his say on United’s backline crisis and suggested two stars for Ten Hag to consider.
First is Danso, 25, who helped guide the French side to Champions League qualification last season – and second is Barcelona’s mainstay enforcer Araujo, 24.
Ferdinand told Manchester Evening News: “The boy at Lens, there’s one there, he’s good.
“The Uruguayan boy at Barcelona – Araujo. Whether he’s gettable or not, I think he’s brilliant. He’s an unreal centre-half.
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“He has every attribute to be perfect for the Premier League. I’d probably say he’s the standout, but whether he’s gettable or not, I don’t know.”
Uruguayan star Araujo broke through into the Catalan giants’ first team in 2018 and has since made 120 appearances – and played a huge role in their LaLiga title success last term.
However, he was made Barcelona’s third captain over the summer indicating his departure from Camp Nou will not be happening anytime soon.
Meanwhile, former Augsburg centre-back Danso has already shown his expertise in the Premier League having spent a season on loan at Southampton in 2019-20 season.
The Austrian international then made a move to Ligue 1 giants Lens in 2021 and has since made 85 appearances.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
