Rio Ferdinand will not be a Manchester United player next season, after he confirmed that he will let his contract expire and move elsewhere. It has caused mixed feelings at Old Trafford, but I for one am pleased that the club have let him go. Mainly because it looks as though they have already lined up a replacement in the shape of Mats Hummels, who is far superior to the rapidly-aging Ferdinand.
Hummels is a similar player to what Ferdinand used to be. Not necessarily the quickest off the blocks, but he can cover ground easily due to his long strides. He is a player who looks to bring the ball down and open play up.
He is comfortable playing the ball out of the back, but often looks to drive forward with the ball at his feet.
This season This season the 25-year-old played 23 Bundesliga games for Borussia Dortmund and made 134 clearances, 58 interceptions and 47 tackles. He also completed just over 81% of his passes, which rose to 82.2% in the Champions League.
He has the experience, the technique and the grit necessary to succeed in the centre of the United defence, and I for one would consider it a shrewd piece of business.