Rio Ferdinand reacts to latest Man United signing
Rio Ferdinand has his say on Man United's signing of Harry Maguire from Leicester City
Rio Ferdinand has taken to social media to deliver his verdict on Manchester United making Harry Maguire the most expensive defender in history.
The Red Devils announced a deal to sign Maguire from Leicester City on Monday in a deal believed to be worth around £80m, which eclipses the fee Liverpool FC paid for Virgil van Dijk back in January 2018.
Maguire was constantly linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window and the 26-year-old will now link up with his new team-mates as he looks to hold down a regular spot at the club.
Ferdinand knows a thing or two about performing at centre-half for Manchester United, and the former England international seems confident that Maguire will be a big success at Old Trafford in the seasons to come.
Writing in a post shared on his Facebook page, Ferdinand said: “Most Expensive Defender Of All Time… Harry Maguire signs for #ManchesterUnited for £80mill… funny enough we’ve both been there!
“Is there pressure? Yes… is there expectation from across the world? Definitely… Are all eyes on me? 100 per cent… Will your team-mates be expecting big things? Of course…
“Will people be expecting a massive change in the teams fortune? Most definitely… These were the feelings, questions that were surrounding me when signing for the great club Manchester United.
“Being a centre-back, I have taken a keen interest in Harry Maguire’s game since being linked with Manchester United under Moyes.
“He has made huge strides in the right direction and improved in all areas of his game. He’s grown into someone who can lead and be a leader of men… and shown at both ends of the pitch he can be effective.
“He has composure, willingness on the ball as well as the ability to drive out from the defence which I feel is as good as anyone in the game right now.
“After speaking to numerous people that know him, they all say what a level-headed, hard-working lad he is who will give 110 per cent for his team which he echoed when signing.
“I think something Man United have needed defensively in recent years is a big character who can take on the responsibility of leading from the back – and from what I’ve heard from people who know him well, they are confident that he will bring that to this football club.
“I would like to wish him well in the number five shirt of Manchester United and hope he can help bring back success to our club. Good luck Harry.”
It remains to be seen whether Maguire will make his Manchester United debut when the Red Devils take on Chelsea FC in their Premier League opener at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United will be aiming to break back into the top four this season after they finished sixth and without a trophy last term.
