


24 Jul 2025 · 13m · 5 chapters

Manchester United transfer targets and budget constraints, debating whether to sign a striker (Isak, Sesko, Jackson, Cesc) or instead prioritize midfield. Also discusses Arsenal youth talent (Max Darman, Ethan Nwaneri/Anuari) and a brief note on Man United’s US preseason tour.
No co-guests named; it’s a solo host segment by Max Rushton (Rio Ferdinand Presents / Real Reacts).
Man United plan to buy a striker, but outgoings from players like Granacho, Malacia, Anthony, and Jadon Sancho will determine the budget. Jackson is described as a “nuisance” despite finishing issues. Watkins is praised for experience and production but criticized for limited sell-on value. Carver-Lewin is doubted due to injuries and poor recent output. For midfield, the host says he’d “break the bank” for a player like Caicedo/Labour (Brighton), believing it would reduce defensive load.
Ollie Watkins (17 goals, 14 assists, 54 apps last season); Dominic Calvert-Lewin (3 goals, 1 assist in 26 apps); Max Darman’s pre-season appearance vs AC Milan and Arsenal first-team training buzz; Declan Rice mentoring Darman.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes.
Discussion on recent player transfers related to Manchester United and their impact on the team.
“This is the place to catch all my reactions, raw reactions to all transfers.”
Analysis of various striker options for Manchester United, including their strengths and weaknesses.
“So we know when Fabrizio speaks, it's near enough to true.”
Exploration of how Manchester United's transfer budget affects their strategy and potential signings.
“They've got Highland, they've got Zerkin, they've got Chido.”
Celebration of young players and their potential impact, focusing on emerging talents from Arsenal.
“Another one I keep seeing mention is Dominic Carver-Lewin.”
Max shares his excitement about going on tour with Manchester United and closes the episode.
“Everyone knows who watches the podcast knows that there's a different energy about me when I'm talking about young players.”

Get the gist, explore an idea or ask about something said.
On Rio Ferdinand Presents, what are the key points of this episode?
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.
0:00Hi pod fans, Max Rushton here from the chart-topping Guardian Football Weekly Podcast. Don't like to crow. If you enjoyed the World Cup with us, you'll be glad to know we're back for the new Premier League season. Expect three episodes a week, questionable predictions and the biggest stories in soccer from the Premier League to the Champions League and beyond. Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
0:25Yes, guys, welcome to Real Reacts. We are here. This is the place to catch all my reactions, raw reactions to all transfers. Any news that's going on in football, we get it delivered to you here. All the WhatsApp groups are buzzing. It comes straight through here at Filton. Oh, and Filton if you want. So listen, man. First up, we've got movement at Manchester United. obviously Brian Mbomo's come in now Arthur Acuna's been in Marcus Sresden is out the club, he's gone to Barcelona I want to shout out Marcus Sresden, I want to say good luck to Marcus Sresden I think a lot's been said about him and the way he's left the football club etc, but one thing I would say is you want someone who's come through the academy at Manchester United and been here a very long time to find his feet and go and do well somewhere and he's a Barcelona it's a wonderful place to play football, a huge club and if you can get it right there, then listen, the word will be disaster.
1:18So good luck to Marcus, but even more good luck to someone like Brian and Bruno who's coming into Manchester United and is part of the future of the football club. So I want to see what he's got to offer. I've delivered in so many ways, in so many positive ways of goals and goal involvements for Redford. So I hope that continues in the Man United shirt. Different pressure, different environment, I know, but I'd like to think that he can continue in that rich vein of form he showed last season. And that leads four players that are in the kind of the bombshell at Man Utd. You've got Granaccio, you've got Malasia, you've got Anthony, and you've got Jadon Sancho.
1:54So let's see, let's wait and see where they go. And I think their outcomes in terms of their transfer, they're going to have a huge impact on any new incoming players. We heard Fabrizio Romano talk about that before. And he says, May United do plan to buy a striker, but outgoings will be key for the budget. So we know when Fabrizio speaks, it's near enough to true. So that means them four players, if they go and they bring in some good money, May United's ability to bring players in, maybe a bigger stature, but also a bigger price tag. or me hopefully we get one of the guys who I may mention later on in this piece but I'm going to go into an L with it we've had some big names being floated about and I think Cesc was talked about of going to Arsenal from Leipzig I think he's a young striker you look at him and you go okay you understand why his name will be on the list but he's going to be 70 or 80 million as well Nicholas Jackson from Chelsea and I think he's got a lot of heart he's got a bad rap you know and I think he's been quite unlucky his stats in terms of players coming in for their third season at Chelsea match up to anybody struck by all of them he's done really well last year he's a nuisance I would argue that he'd be one of the players in most centre-backs top three or four players who they found hardest to play against last year I don't think he's an easy day's work for anybody.
3:34Yes, he's got a lot to do, a lot to clean up on in terms of his finish, and he's not clean and he's all-round played. But he's a nuisance. And you've got Issa, who's somebody who looks like he's not going on tour now with Newcastle, looks like he's kind of rejected that. He wants to get out, wants to look at some options about leaving the football club. So, it's difficult. And I think if Man United can't move those four players, then they're going to have to start looking at players below that level of player, below that level of player in terms of transfer fee. And the names that we're talking about there are like Olly Watkins, who I think would be a very, very good addition to the Man United squad.
4:18Last season, 17 goals, 14 assists and 54 appearances. He's 29 years old. That's the only drawback for Man United. There's going to be no real sell on value, which I understand is an issue, but I think you've got to look at here and now at the moment with Man United. That's why I said about a number nine. Go to Reza, I think I'm not really doubting him as a player. Seth go to fame. I'm not really doubting them players as actual football players. I'm saying Man United need experience at the top of the pitch. They've got Highland, they've got Zerkin, they've got Chido. Young, inexperienced players.
4:55They need someone to look at and go, that's how you play the number nine. That's how you do it. And I think when you're going to buy somebody who hasn't got as much experience as I'd like, I think that's another risk. Is it worth taking with inexperienced players at this level? So I think Ollie Watkins will be a very good addition for the younger ones in that squad to look at and go, yeah, that's a benchmark of someone who knows how to play the role. Consistently, he's done it in the top level for the last few years. God, goals. Champions League football as well. But just let me know what you think about the way United track a situation.
5:36Because if the club ended up with a low budget, who would you go for? And if they sold all them four players that are in the bond squad and the budget's high, who are you going to go for, guys? Let us know in the comments. We will get back to them. We'll talk about it. Another one I keep seeing mention is Dominic Carver-Lewin. I don't see that one happening at the May United, mainly because of his injury record. When he's had so many injuries that he's had and his lack of form over the last couple of years, I think it's difficult. I think you look at last season, three goals, one assist in 26 appearances, 28 years old.
6:11Is that really the type of form that you think the May United are going to be sitting there licking the lips out? I don't think so. And it's not to say I don't think he's a good player because when he was fit, and when he was flying a couple of years ago, he would have been a problem. But we haven't seen that form. He's run out of form. So good luck to him getting that back. But let me know what you think, guys. I just think, would I be happy Man United going into the season as we are now? No. I want one more. I'm being greedy. I want one more. I want a striker. If I don't get a striker, I'd go midfield.
6:48are you probably thinking who would we go and get who would you go and get there's only one name i'm really thinking about i've got to be honest guys who i think fits the bill as to what we need an amaranth type player as well physically great can drive with the ball can take it in all areas very good tactically great energy great legs Premier League experience, the midfield, the labour that's what I'll go and get that's my math that's the one I go and get I go and break the bank so if I've got the money for the four players
7:30that have surfaced the requirements now, would I go and get a number nine or would I go and get my labour? Would I get a number nine I'm not sure about with a bit young and experienced or would I get my labour with a really experienced and know what you can do here? I'm going to go to labour. Sorry. I'm going to go to labour. That's what I'll get. I think it'll have a huge impact on this squad, on this team. if we have a few people in that midfield area as well to have a little less responsibility defensively because I think he's an all-action can do it all. We've digressed, guys. We've digressed.
8:09I only talk about strikers, really, but the labour is just... And Brighton fans won't be happy I'm saying this. I love it. I do. So, miss me. Hi, pod fans. Max Rushton here from the Chart Topping Guardian Football Weekly Podcast. Don't like to crow. If you enjoyed the World Cup with us, You'll be glad to know we're back for the new Premier League season. Expect three episodes a week, questionable predictions, and the biggest stories in soccer from the Premier League to the Champions League and beyond. Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. In a world where AI is changing every role in every industry, knowing who actually has deep expertise matters more than ever.
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9:42Away from Man United. And guys, I just want to talk about... Everyone knows who watches the podcast knows that there's a different energy about me when I'm talking about young players. I was the same with Cobby Maynard in the Euros Foden when they first broke on the scene Cole Palmer Laminia Mao obviously Dure great young players who just get you off your seat you just watch and you go yeah give me some more of that this player played one pre-season game I spoke about it in November on the podcast, by the way. If you don't believe me, go back and have a look. I probably spoke about him a bit before that as well because I've seen him before as a young kid.
10:31Max Dowman. Don't forget that name, guys. Max Dowman. Haylen Arsall have produced another young GM. They've got Anuari coming through too. I think this season could be his breakout year, proper, proper breakout year. I hope it will be. They've already had Taka a few years ago now who seems like an older statesman in this changing room now. And there's 15-year-olds knocking about, Max Stallman, who, for me, I've got to say, guys, I mean, he's become one of the youngest basketball players to appear for the club in a pre-season friendly in Singapore against AC Milan, by the way. Not no minnows, against AC Milan.
11:14And if you haven't seen the clips, I'd advise you to go online. Just have a little look. Go online. It's early days. But it looks like Declan Rice has taken him under his wing. He posted a picture up yesterday with him on the coach travelling about.
11:35He's definitely the best 15 year old in the country, probably in Europe right now, maybe the world. Best 15 year old. And people keep seeing people saying, oh, don't hype and don't this. What are we in football for? What are we here for? We're here to be entertained. We're here to get excited about young talent. We're here to talk about it. We're here to love it. We're here to appreciate it, yeah? We're not putting expectations on his name. I'm not saying he's got to play 10 games. He's got to play this. He's got to score five goals. He's got to score 10 goals. I don't know. I'm just saying, I love him.
12:09I want to see this. I want to see the young players coming out, man. I want to see. Go and see you look at the clips in the FA Youth Cup game last year against Man United at Old Trafford, what this kid was doing. He is a joke. and what I'm hearing from Arsenal in the Arsenal camp from some of the people that I know there is that he is transferring his 15-year-old ability that he's shown through the under-18s with Arsenal, with England playing years up with the under-21s and shifting that into the first team when he's training with the first team and the players are going like, whoa, the coaching staff there are going like, whoa, I ain't really seen this type of like, he's just quite bothered.
12:58He's not really, he's just, yeah, man, this is me. Transferring that from the young ages into the first team is just like, is ridiculous. So long may this continue and I hope we're talking more and more about Max Darman as the season goes on and special shout out also to Anuari, Ethan Anuari. I want to see more game time. Please, Mikel Arteta, play these kids because I think they're good enough. He knows, he's going to know them because he sees them more than me. But I'm just begging that he can give these kids more game time while trying to win the Premier League, which I know is difficult and that's a sticking point.
13:34But when there's talent, it's undeniable sometimes. And I think these two boys are undeniable talents. So let's go. Well, listen, I want to say thanks, guys, because I'm going on tour. I've got to love you and leave you. I'm going to go, I'm catching up with the main United team on tour. So I'm going to get out there to the States. I think I'm going to New York, Chicago. I'm going to just be jumping out there and seeing what's going on. I want to see how the team are trained. I want to see how the fibres are moving. I want to see the sweat. I want to see them getting drilled. I want to see them overworking.
14:03I want to see their lungs butting out, ready for the new season. Who's looking sharp? Young players. Who's fitting in, mixing in with a bit of seniors? So I'll be feeding back to you guys. There's also loads of stuff going on around here. and have you seen me and Wayne on our little tour of America? Guys, it was a joke. So make sure you keep tuning in, stay tuned and we'll bring you the tour right to your eyes through this YouTube channel, Rio Presents. Thanks guys for listening to this episode of Rio Reacts. Hope you've enjoyed this show and if you have, make sure you leave us a review and follow this Rio Ferdinand Presents feed to make sure you never, ever miss an episode.
14:41If you've got a point you think we should be discussing and I want to put us on the spot with a question you want answering. Get in touch using the fans first at rioferdinandpresents.com email address or use hashtag RFP on social. See you on the next one.
14:59Hi, pod fans. Max Rushton here from the chart-topping Guardian Football Weekly Podcast. Don't like to crow. If you enjoyed the World Cup with us, you'll be glad to know we're back for the new Premier League season. Expect three episodes a week, questionable predictions and the biggest stories in soccer from the Premier League to the Champions League and beyond. Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Welcome to Rio Reacts! Today, we're diving headfirst into the transfer stories that are getting your WhatsApp groups buzzing, from Manchester United's evolving squad to Arsenal's incredible young talents!
First up, the latest from Old Trafford: Bryan Mbeumo is IN, and Marcus Rashford is OUT to Barcelona!
That leaves Amorim's 'bomb squad' of Garnacho, Antony, Sancho, and Malacia – could their exits be key to United's remaining transfer budget?
Fabrizio Romano says outgoings are crucial for the striker budget after spending big on Cunha and Mbeumo. So, despite big names like Isak, Sesko, and Nicholas Jackson being floated, are United really on a low budget for a striker?
We're looking at names like Ollie Watkins (17 goals, 14 assists in 54 apps last season at 29 years old) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (3 goals, 1 assist in 26 apps last season at 28 years old, and available on a free transfer!).
Let me know what YOU think about the Man United striker situation! If the club ends up with a low budget, who should they be targeting? Could they still land a big-name striker if they sell all the players they want to move on?
Away from United, I want to talk about Arsenal's incredible young talents!
Remember Max Dowman? I first mentioned him as a 14-year-old last November. Now 15, he's become one of the youngest Arsenal players to feature for the first team in a pre-season friendly against AC Milan in Singapore! Declan Rice even described him as "the best 15-year-old in the country."
Unbelievably, Marli Salmon, also 15, featured in that same game! Arteta himself commented that these young talents are "able to play at that level at 15 years old... because of the environment and culture within the team."
Arsenal fans, what do you think? Could this be a really big year ahead for your young talents?
Finally, big news for the channel! I'm off tomorrow on tour with the squad! We have a lot of exciting stuff coming out, dropping content daily over the next week – Vlogs, more Rio Reacts, and Live sessions! I'll be catching up with Ste and travelling with the squad, so make sure you hit that SUBSCRIBE button and don't miss a thing!
Also, whilst I'm out with the squad, who would you most like me to get on Rio Meets? Get in the comments and let us know! See you in the US!!
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