Alderweireld has long been linked with a move from Spurs to United.
Alderweireld, 29, was left on the bench on Saturday as Spurs picked up their first Premier League win of the season with a 2-1 victory against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
The former Atletico Madrid and Southampton defender has only just returned to Spurs training after beating England in the third-place play-off at the World Cup in Russia just a month ago.
Speaking from his own holiday in Portugal, Ferdinand criticised his old club for failing to land the defender after being linked with a move to United for the majority of the summer transfer window.
“I was in favour of bringing Toby Alderweireld from Spurs,” Ferdinand said. “When playing regularly, I think he’s within the top two or three centre-halves in the country, in this league.
“I think he’s a fantastic player, he proved it again at the World Cup after not playing so many games last season. I thought he was a definite, he would have been my go-to choice to be honest.”
Alderweireld now has a fight on his hands to break his way back into Mauricio Pochettino’s side, with Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez impressing last season and indeed both starting against Newcastle.
Vertonghen even got his name on the score sheet, opening the scoring before Dele Alli found Spurs’ second, after Joselu had equalised for Newcastle.
Spurs will be hoping to make it two from two on Saturday as they play host to newly-promoted Fulham, and Alderweireld will be hoping to show why he deserves to start against Slavisa Jokanovic’s side.
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