Rio Ferdinand: United’s summer clear-out and signings show backing for Ruben Amorim
Former Manchester United defender says Andre Onana’s exit, incoming transfers and departures of senior players underline the club’s support for their new head coach
Rio Ferdinand said Manchester United’s activity in the transfer market this summer — including the decision to replace goalkeeper Andre Onana with Senne Lammens and to move on several established players — has been a clear signal of the club’s backing for head coach Ruben Amorim.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby, the former United defender highlighted both incoming signings and the departure of high-profile squad members as evidence that the club has empowered Amorim to shape the squad in his image. Ferdinand said the changes were as important as the roughly £236 million spent on new players in demonstrating faith in the manager’s judgement.
Ferdinand singled out Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha among the summer recruits as players he believes could force their way into a combined Manchester United-Manchester City XI, and named Bruno Fernandes and young defender Leny Yoro among others he would include. He said Cunha, signed for about £62.5 million, was a doubt for the derby after suffering a hamstring injury in United’s win over Burnley before the international break.
The former England international also praised the decision to move out several senior players who had clashed with Amorim or were regarded as not fitting his plans. Ferdinand referenced Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony — departures he described as part of an effective "clearing of the decks" that he argued was as influential as the arrivals on loan or permanent deals.
"They are backing the manager," Ferdinand said, noting that selecting Senne Lammens over Onana made the point clear. "If people were thinking there were any doubts about the club backing the manager or Amorim being at the football club, it’s only going to be his decision whether Onana stays or Lammens comes in." He added that prior eras often retained players the club wanted to move on, a situation he said would not have helped the club or the individuals involved.
Ferdinand assessed Manchester City as still possessing a stronger squad overall but said United’s window had addressed some key needs, particularly pace and transition ability. He described City’s recent run — back-to-back league defeats to Tottenham and Brighton — as a test for Pep Guardiola and his squad, who face the challenge of rebuilding after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.
On individual recruits, Ferdinand cautioned that new £74 million signing Benjamin Sesko will need time to adapt to the Premier League, saying it will take at least a month for the forward to be ready to make a full impact. He added that potential and proven performance are different measures and that time would be the ultimate test for young signings.
Ferdinand also weighed in on the title race, saying reigning champions Liverpool remained the team to beat after what he described as a near-perfect transfer window. He said Liverpool and Arsenal looked best placed to challenge this season, while suggesting clubs such as Newcastle and Chelsea could be hampered by the extra demands of European competition. Ferdinand said Liverpool might have had an even stronger case had they secured a move for England defender Marc Guehi.
The former centre-back, who quit TNT Sports in May after a decade with the broadcaster and has relocated to Dubai with his family, said he has little appetite for management or coaching. He said the move was motivated by a desire to be more present with his family and that he will continue to watch and attend matches as the season progresses.
Ferdinand is also involved in Coca‑Cola’s new Fantasy Premier League challenge, "Beat The Icon," which allows contestants to face week-by-week challenges set by former players and creators. He said his own fantasy approach awards double points for United and City players and that the initiative recalls the kind of competitions he would have enjoyed as a child.
He reiterated that the derby and the early part of the season will be telling for both Manchester clubs: whether Amorim’s squad reshaping yields short‑term results for United, and whether Guardiola can rebuild a City side that remains expected to compete for trophies despite recent setbacks. Ferdinand said the game reflects wider cycles in football, and that while he expects Manchester clubs to remain competitive, Liverpool currently look best placed to defend their title.
As the Premier League season unfolds, Ferdinand’s assessment highlights the dual nature of the summer’s upheaval at United: significant investment in new players paired with a decisive purge of senior figures, an approach the former defender says demonstrates clear institutional support for Amorim’s project.