Sport

The future’s bright, the future’s red: Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand tips club’s next stars

By Marios Papaloizou

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that the club has a bright future as a new breed of players emerges from the Reds’ youth system.

Despite entering the twilight of his career, the United veteran is confident that the recipe for success is in place that will ensure continued glory at Old Trafford.

Top of Rio’s list of hot prospects is Jesse Lingard who had an impressive pre-season with the Red Devils.

“If I was going to hang my hat on a young player being a Man United player then Jesse would be the one,” he told the Daily Post.

“He’s got everything. For me Jesse could be a top, top player.

“He’s not one of the first young players who you look at for flashy pieces of skill, but his understanding of the game, where to take the ball and his desire and application in training…he looks like a Manchester United player to me.”

As well as the potential of Lingard, Rio believes there is a whole group of young talent at United.

Speaking of new signing Wilfred Zaha, Ferdinand said: “He’s young, eager to please and wants to do well.

“He’s raw, but he has an unbelievable range of skills. I can see potential in him being a really top player if he knits it all together, works hard on the training field and learns from the senior players at the club.”

Ferdinand also described Adnan Januzaj as ‘a naturally gifted footballer’ and cited young defenders Michael Keane and Alexander Buttner as exciting prospects for the future.

Image courtesy of ESPNuk, via YouTube, with thanks. 

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