Manchester United's success or failure in Europa League final will have big say on how much Ruben Amorim's squad will change this summer but Rio Ferdinand believes the change required cannot happen in one window
Rio Ferdinand believes Ruben Amorim would love to make 10 signings this summer but accepts that Manchester United ’s squad will not be given as much of an overhaul as required in a single transfer window.
Club legend Ferdinand believes recruitment is “the biggest problem” at Old Trafford, with a majority of Amorim’s current squad not fit for the purpose of the coach’s game plan.
But with the outcome of Wednesday night’s Europa League final, which offers a route into next season’s Champions League, set to determine how much money is available to spend this summer, Ferdinand believes club chiefs must get busy without belong able to carry out the major surgery required in one go.
“I think the manager, if he had his way, would love to get rid of double figures among the players,” the TNT Sports pundit said before United’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao.
“But it's not realistic, I don't think, for the PSR system, the way it is now. I don't think it's realistic for him to do that. I don't think he'd want a massive, massive overhaul that quick. “He'd like to be in a perfect case scenario where he takes 10 out and gets 10 in. But I don't see that being realistic, to be honest.”
Ferdinand can see no convincing argument for Amorim to abandon his 3-4-2-1 system, insisting that the issue remains players who do not have the attributes required to execute what their coach exactly wants.
And while he believes United players have been “fighting all season” to ensure they are part of Amorim’s plans come August, it will not be until a few weeks into next season before those who are still in the squad can be sure of their standing.
Ferdinand added: “I think all season it's like an audition for this manager because he's been stifled in terms of what he can shuffle to pack with his own type of players.
“Whereas come the start of next season, you like to think he's got three, four, five players in, and then people are looking over their shoulders and going, take care, see you later.
“And thinking, ‘Oh s***, I didn't perform. I'm not surprised, he's got someone in my position now.’ And they'll all know where they stand.”
Watch the UEFA Europa League Final exclusively live on TNT Sports and discovery+ the home of European football from 6pm. Wednesday 21 st May