Ferdinand laments Man Utd's failure to sign Arsenal's Konsa after £55m move

Rio Ferdinand has publicly lamented Manchester United’s failure to sign Ezri Konsa, calling the Arsenal defender a ‘top, top player’ after the former Aston Villa man helped the Gunners keep a clean sheet in their win at Anfield on Sunday.

Konsa, now a regular for England, joined Arsenal for £55m this summer and has slotted seamlessly alongside Gabriel at centre-back while William Saliba continues to recover from an injury sustained pre-season. Mikel Arteta’s side have maintained their status as arguably the best defensive unit in Europe even without Saliba, and Konsa’s composed, efficient displays have drawn widespread admiration.

Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, was effusive in his praise — but could not hide his frustration at United’s inactivity in the same position. ‘I said to my son yesterday, watch Ezri Konsa, because everything he does is efficient,’ he said. ‘He’s a top, top player and another one I thought Manchester United should have got because he’s a top player. He’s giving Mikel Arteta some big decisions to make and big headaches because he’s slipped in seamlessly and put in some big performances. What a signing he’s been for Arsenal.’

Ferdinand also suggested Konsa could retain his starting place even once Saliba returns to fitness, potentially shifting back to right-back. ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if Konsa goes back to right-back once Saliba comes back,’ he added. ‘I wouldn’t be surprised because Konsa is top. That’s a great problem for Mikel Arteta to have.’

The contrast with United’s summer is stark. The club spent their entire £155m transfer budget on midfielders, leaving their backline unaddressed. New head coach Michael Carrick was also unable to secure the left-back cover he wanted for the injured Luke Shaw, a gap that has already complicated his team selections.

United currently sit 17th in the Premier League, with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez among those to have drawn criticism. Leny Yoro, signed in 2024 with a long-term view, remains the last central defender the club brought in. The club’s original plan was to turn their attention to defence in the next transfer window, but their struggles at the back may force an earlier move into the market.