Rio Ferdinand has only one - no one understands this better than Manchester United. The legendary English midfielder played for the "Red Devils" from 2002-2014. This is also one of the most successful periods of the red half of Manchester.
The former England midfielder had a total of 312 appearances for Man United and won noble titles such as: 1 Champions League, 6 Premier Leagues, 3 FA Cups...
The cooperation between Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at that time scared many attackers in Europe. And a decade after the duo disbanded, Man United is still struggling to find a successor.
1 year after Sir Alex Ferguson retired, Ferdinand also moved to Queens Park Rangers. Since then, the Old Trafford team has continuously declined.
In 2014, the "Red Devils" signed contracts with Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind for 20 and 17 million pounds respectively. Although the Argentine has been at Old Trafford for seven years and the Dutchman for four, neither has reached Ferdinand's level.
2 years later, Eric Bailly moved from Villarreal for 38 million Euros and received great expectations. However, doubts about the Ivory Coast midfielder's ability quickly appeared. With a loan contract in Marseille, Bailly ended his relationship with Man United last year filled with disappointment.
In 2017, Man United paid 35 million pounds to Benfica to get Victor Lindelof, who still remains to this day. Although his performance is not too bad, to say that this midfielder has met Man United's standards is completely wrong.
The biggest payout came in 2019, when Man United paid £87 million to Leicester to sign Harry Maguire. Maguire arrived at Old Trafford as the most expensive midfielder in the world at that time. From physical ability, aerial ability to leadership mindset, Maguire is in theory extremely suitable for the "Red Devils".
However, Maguire was never himself during his time at Old Trafford. Worse, the former Man United captain also continuously became the focus of media ridicule.
After many failed deals, the arrival of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid in 2021 seems to be the key for both him and Maguire to form a dream centre-back duo. The French player arrived as a star but during his three years at Old Trafford, his class gradually declined. This summer, the former Real Madrid midfielder said goodbye to the "Red Devils".
After Ferdinand, Lisandro Martinez is probably Man United's most impressive midfielder. The Argentina international joined Old Trafford in 2022 from Ajax for £57 million. However, the comparison with the legendary English midfielder is still very lame and needs more time.
Finally, another £62 million was invested by Man United in 18-year-old midfielder Leny Yoro . This contract also marks the 11th midfielder that the "Red Devils" brought in after Ferdinand's departure.
In total, Man United spent 356 million pounds over a decade searching for the "new Ferdinand", who has yet to arrive.
