Sancho won't solve Man United's problems, says Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand rates Jadon Sancho highly but accepts Manchester United must prioritize strengthening in other areas.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has endured a difficult time in the transfer window, with Donny van de Beek the only new Manchester United signing.

There have been countless calls for the Norwegian to bring in defensive reinforcements, considering their woeful record. In fact, United have already conceded five goals in their opening two games of the new Premier League campaign.

Now joining in on the calls for a new defender is Ferdinand, who believes his former team’s pursuit of Sancho isn’t needed.

The ex-Red Devils defender understands the hype regarding the young Borussia Dortmund star and would love him at Old Trafford, but concedes Solskjaer’s transfer priorities should lie on a new center-back.

“Yeah, definitely [there are question marks in front of David de Gea],” Rio said on BT Sport.

“The center-back area, first game of the season you’re looking for someone to set their stall out in defensive areas. They did anything but that.

"Terrible to see, it disappoints."

"This is an area I've been talking about for many months. It has not been addressed."@rioferdy5 breaks down Man Utd's recent struggles at the centre-back position.

We think he knows a thing or two, to be fair… pic.twitter.com/KLRZ5o4DkT

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 26, 2020

“It was slow, it was cumbersome, and I picked out three examples for goals. I can see so many different mistakes, areas there can be improvements.

“Listen, you look at Liverpool, the best team in the land. Issues in goalkeeping areas – Alisson, big signing. Issues at center-back? [Virgil] van Dijk, bang, they deal with it.

“Manchester United have not done that. This is not an issue we’re seeing that’s just happened the other day.

“I want Jadon Sancho to come to Man United, he’s a generational talent, he’s someone who will get fans off their seats, a Man United player.

“But does he solve the fundamental problems that I see happening with this team?

“Yes they had a fantastic goals-against record last season but there are moments in games, or before games even.

“Are you looking across the tunnel across that line thinking ‘I’m going to have to be at my absolute best to get a chance against this Manchester United team?’

“I don’t think so – and that’s a problem for me.”