Manchester United legend-turned-pundit Rio Ferdinand has said that he would take Mesut Ozil at Old Trafford at the first opportunity. The World Cup winner has just over six months left on his present deal at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking on BT Sport, the former England international talked up the Germany international whilst suggesting that the attacker has developed his game since his time at the Bernabeu. Ozil’s reduced work-rate has often led to criticism, but Ferdinand has no second thoughts on whether the United should pursue a Bosman move for Ozil next summer.
“Since he signed in the Premier League, he’s had the most assists and the most chances created. That tells you the standard of the player he is. When he was at Real Madrid, I played against him,” he told BT Sport.
“He was a different player at Real Madrid from what I’ve seen here. The pace, he’s deceptively quick, and if you can get that out of him, with that ability… he’s a technician. I’d take him at Man United all day. Free transfer? No doubts.”
The 29-year-old had a good relationship with Jose Mourinho during their time at Real Madrid, and they have maintained contact ever since with the Portuguese tactician writing the foreword for Ozil’s autobiography released earlier this year.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has recently that both Ozil could stay put at the Emirates until the expiry of his contract, and this could potentially favour the Red Devils next summer, although there is transfer interest from clubs elsewhere including Barcelona.
Manchester United have lacked the presence of the perfect number 10 under the 4-2-3-1 formation, and Ozil could be the ideal fit for the role with pace from either side to take advantage of his intrinsic passing, which has made him one of the Premier League’s best assist getters.
Be the first to comment