Rio Ferdinand has revealed that Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois personally endorsed Manchester United's deadline day signing of Senne Lammens. The Belgian international sent Ferdinand a voice note praising the 23-year-old, who joined from Royal Antwerp for £18.2 million.
Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, said Courtois described Lammens as a 'huge talent' whose style is 'well-suited to the Premier League'. The former United defender admitted he would take that recommendation from 'probably one of the best three goalkeepers in the world'.
Despite the endorsement, Ferdinand questioned whether United can afford to wait for Lammens to develop, given the club's current needs. He reiterated his preference for Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez, citing the Argentine's experience, personality and big-game pedigree.
Lammens has made only 62 appearances in Belgian football and played just one Champions League game before his move to Old Trafford. United had also held talks to sign Martinez before completing the deal for Lammens.
