Rio Ferdinand fumes at Ruben Amorim and questions Man Utd’s transfer plan

Manchester United have not yet secured a forward following Marcus Rashford’s exit to Aston Villa and Rio Ferdinand does not appear convinced by Ruben Amorim’s options at Old Trafford

Rio Ferdiand slammed Manchester United’s lack of threat in defeat to Crystal Palace, after Ruben Amorim started without a striker.

Kobbie Mainoo led the forward line until Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee entered the fray after 70 minutes. United once again went goalless at Old Trafford as Eagles forward Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a brace.

After a promising start saw Mainoo hit the post, the Red Devils struggled to lay a glove on the visitors. United managed just two shots on target on Sunday afternoon.

Ferdinand questioned where the decision left Hojlund and Zirkzee, but also United’s interest in Mathys Tel. The club saw their efforts rebuffed by Bayern Munich on Sunday however.

“Kobbie playing up front, another new variation of tactics from the manager,” Ferdinand said, reflecting on Amorim’s tactical swap. “There’s two strikers – where does that leave Zirkzee and Hojlund? I see that we’re in the market for the young Bayern Munich striker (Tel) now. He’s a great talent but do we need another young one?

“Maybe we do, the manager maybe sees that we’re in the market to get him. But when you play Kobbie so high, Bruno has to play even deeper. Then we lack that real threat. We weren’t really a threat today.”

United’s aspirations of landing Tel took another blow on transfer deadline day as Spurs, having previously been turned down after having a bid accepted, returned to the fray. The Frenchman looks set to join the Lilywhites on loan after United had earlier been deemed to be his preference.

Ferdinand reckons Amorim needs a No.9 at his disposal for the remainder of the season if United hope to improve however. Victor Osimhen was the name on the Champions League winner’s lips.

The Nigeria international joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in the summer after being unable to realise a blockbuster exit. Chelsea had hoped to sign the striker but were unable to make a deal with the Italian side.

Replying to a fan who suggested United require a traditional forward on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube show, Ferdinand could only concur.

The ex-defender replied: “I 100 per cent agree with you. I completely agree. A natural number nine. Victor Osimhen, I would have gone with Osimhen on loan. Get him on loan, man. If it’s possible I would have got him.”

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