Rio Ferdinand wants Manchester United to prioritize striking reinforcement

Rio Ferdinand has asked Manchester United to make the signing of a striker their priority although he would be delighted with the arrival of Andre Onana.

Red Devils are on the market for a new goalkeeper with talks with David de Gea over contract extension taking too long.

The Inter Milan shot-stopper has been heavily linked with the Premier League side in the last few days with the Italian club confirming United’s interest.

The 27-year-old played under Ten Hag at Ajax and would be a better fit for Ten Hag’s style of play than De Gea was last season at Old Trafford.

Despite reports of the club seeing a first bid turned down, Ferdinand says United will pursue the deal but adds that they first need to sign a forward.

“Bids are going in, bruv,” Ferdinand said on his FIVE YouTube show.

“I think they’ll go for it. I think they’re gonna go for it, he’s someone they want to try and get. But the problem is Inter’s pricing. Manchester United haven’t got an open cheque book and the takeover won’t affect that in this window.

“I’d be delighted if he comes, but my priority is a number nine.”

“The goalkeeper, Onana, makes it really difficult to deploy a high press against. You cannot press the goalkeeper properly. They are masters at keeping the ball, right up to the attackers – the likes of Lautaro, Dzeko and Lukaku.

“If you look at United, for example, it is long ball. With [Marcus] Rashford and another one [forward] to run onto. But Inter are different, they keep the ball.”

United, however, are set to announce the signing of Mason Mount as their first recruit this summer on Wednesday.