Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that the club’s failure to sign Harry Kane and Declan Rice ranks as their biggest transfer mistake since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

United have struggled to find consistency since Ferguson left in 2013, with no Premier League title and a steady decline in league performance — including a disappointing 15th-place finish last season.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand argued that player recruitment has been one of the club’s biggest problems and insisted United would be in a much stronger position today had they secured the two England stars.

“That’s the biggest mistake they’ve made in the last ten years,” Ferdinand said.
“I honestly think and I’m convinced that if Man United had got Harry Kane and Declan Rice in that window, they’re in a different place now.”

Kane eventually left Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich, while Rice made a record £105 million switch to Arsenal, where he has become a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.

For many fans, Ferdinand’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about Manchester United’s transfer strategy and the missed opportunities that have left the club trailing behind rivals.