Rio Ferdinand Calls For Manchester United To Outmanoeuvre Liverpool In $88M Wharton And Cunha Transfer Hunt
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has ignited the transfer debate by urging his former club to make a decisive move and beat arch-rivals Liverpool to the signatures of two of the Premier League’s most sought-after stars: Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha. This double swoop, valued at over $88 million, could dramatically shape the Red Devils’ summer rebuild and reignite their fortunes on the pitch.
United, languishing mid-table after a dismal campaign that saw them finish eighth last term and slide as low as 13th this season, desperately need reinforcements to return to former glories. With Ruben Amorim steering the ship and hoping for silverware through European competition, the focus has turned sharply to shrewd acquisitions compatible with his tactical approach.
Speaking candidly on his “Rio Ferdinand Presents” show, the legendary defender identified Adam Wharton as an ideal partner for Manuel Ugarte in United’s midfield pivot—Ugarte being familiar with Amorim from their successful stint at Sporting CP. “I would go and get him,” Ferdinand stressed. “He can get on the ball and transfer it up the pitch; he’s got a great range of passing. I think he would be a great addition to the United squad. He reminds me of Michael Carrick a bit.”
That comparison is more than flattering. Carrick, well-remembered for his clean ball recovery and distribution, was fundamental in United’s dominance. Wharton, just 21, has risen sharply since joining Palace in January 2024. Despite an injury-hit season involving groin surgery, he has recently returned strongly, starting the last four league games—coinciding with Palace’s impressive climb to 11th, and powered by four victories in five matches.
Interestingly, Liverpool had been heavily linked to Wharton last summer, but recent reports suggest the Reds have cooled their pursuit, leaving United an open lane if they can meet Palace’s hefty £70 million ($88M) valuation. Competition remains fierce, however, with Manchester City and Real Madrid circling for the England Under-21 international, whose technical polish and defensive acumen rank impressively across top European leagues.
Ferdinand’s other recommendation, Brazilian attacker Matheus Cunha, may be equally transformative. The 25-year-old Wolves star has reportedly expressed ambitions to leave Molineux, and with a £62.5 million release clause, he presents an accessible dynamic option to fill United’s creative No. 10 role.
“He’s made it clear he wants to leave,” Ferdinand affirmed. “Cunha for one of those No. 10 positions would be great because he’s a really dynamic player.” Known for his energy and positional versatility, Cunha could inject much-needed unpredictability into Amorim’s layout, which favours a three-at-the-back shape with fluid attacking midfielders flanking a lone striker.
Crucially, these potential arrivals would dovetail with the tactical blueprint Ruben Amorim is intent on perfecting at Old Trafford. Since taking over from Erik ten Hag, Amorim has stubbornly maintained his adaptable but possession-heavy style, despite mixed Premier League results. Importing players who already suit his demands, like Ugarte, Wharton, and Cunha, could finally unlock this system’s promise.
On a strategic level, winning these transfer battles against Liverpool and continental giants would send a powerful message about United’s ambition under new stewardship. It signals a willingness to cut losses, refresh the squad, and invest not just in star power but also in tactical coherence and potential longevity.
As the summer window looms, the saga around Wharton and Cunha epitomises a pivotal crossroads for Manchester United. Will they back Ferdinand’s rallying cry, outmanoeuvre Liverpool and others, and reshape their future? Or see these talents slip elsewhere, prolonging the drought of glory at Old Trafford?
Share your thoughts below: Should United break the bank for these two promising stars, or seek alternative paths to rebuild their once-mighty empire?
