Rio Ferdinand has backed Burnley’s Michael Keane for a return to Manchester United.
BT Sport’s Rio Ferdinand
Pundit Rio Ferdinand has told BBC Radio Five Live that he could see Michael Keane returning to Manchester United, just as Paul Pogba did.
United’s recent form has been superb, and they are really piling the pressure on the Premier League’s top four, but manager Jose Mourinho is still expected to make a host of new signings in the summer.
Whilst Eric Bailly – an arrival from Villarreal last summer – has been a regular whenever fit, Mourinho has chopped and changed at the back, with Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo all receiving playing time at centre back.
Mourinho may want another centre back at the end of the season, and if he looks to bring in a young English defender with Premier League experience, then there may not be a better option than Michael Keane.
Keane, 24, has starred for Burnley ever since joining – initially on loan – from Manchester United in the summer of 2014, and his outstanding displays this season have been a major factor in Burnley’s strong defensive record.
Keane has just over a year left on his contract at Turf Moor though, and having recently been called up to the England squad, he’s not only expected to have a huge future, but he’s also expected to leave Burnley this summer.
Quick, strong in the air and good on the deck, Keane has it all, and some want to see United move to bring Keane back to Old Trafford having come up through the ranks with the club – and Rio Ferdinand appear to be leading the campaign.
Burnley’s Michael Keane
Ferdinand has told BBC Radio Five Live that Keane is always looking to improve his game, and that leaving Manchester United has actually allowed him to improve, suggesting that he could emulate Paul Pogba in leaving United as a youngster before returning as a more polished player.
“He likes to ask questions, he likes constructive criticism and that’s a great attribute to have, to be there, to look at your game in detail and try and improve,” said Ferdinand. “He’s always wanting to improve, whether it’s nutrition, whether it’s physical, whether it’s actual working on your game after training. He was always wanting to learn and understand more.”
“I think the moment he found out he was going to leave Manchester United – every kid’s dream in that area is to play for Manchester United – so to leave the club was a huge wrench for him. But it allowed him to go and spread his wings and bloom really and become the player he is now. At Manchester United he wasn’t afforded that opportunity, for whatever reason.
“You look at the likes of Pogba; he’s gone away and come back now and become a huge star. Michael Keane, he could do that himself. What he’s got that not many other centre-halves have, he’s got the ability to come out with the ball. He is one of the cleanest passers through the lines, from the back to the No.10 position – he is comfortable and confident on the ball and at the top end of the game, that is worth a huge amount,” he added.
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