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27th Jan 2017

You’d never accuse Rio Ferdinand of lacking ambition with his Manchester United transfer targets

Would set the back around £140m

Patrick McCarry

Rio Ferdinand is delighted to see his former club getting back to their old, winning ways but he is eager to fast-track success next season.

Ferdinand, who won multiple titles with Manchester United, is eager to see the club get back to the top of the footballing mountain.

With Chelsea steaming ahead of the chasing pack, this summer could mark four years since United have failed to win the league [their worst streak since 1993].

In August, United demonstrated to the world that they were willing to spend big to get the best squad assembled. Paul Pogba arrived for £89m as a significant statement and free transfer Zlatan Ibrahimovic added to the star power.

United’s 17-game unbeaten run was ended by Hull City last night but the result did not prevent them from reaching the EFL Cup final. Things are starting to take shape under Jose Mourinho but Ferdinand is impatient for the glory days to return.

In an interview with Squawka, Ferdinand identified two big-money signings – Antoine Griezmann [below] and Gareth Bale – that could rapidly transform United from also-rans into champions.

“Manchester United have got the money, I’d go get both,” said Ferdinand.

“They’re great players but I don’t think they’re comparable to be honest. They’re different players. Gareth could play anywhere across the front-line. He’d be effective anywhere – from the right to the left, central.”

“If they became available, Manchester United have to be in that.”

United would have to shell out somewhere in the region of £140m to get both attackers in the door but it would certainly be a major statement of intent.