---
title: "Rio Ferdinand names 2 Tottenham players Manchester United should sign if they are relegated"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2026/04/19/rio-ferdinand-names-2-tottenham-players-manchester-united-should-sign-if-they-are-relegated/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Aditya Singh"
section: "Tottenham News"
published: "2026-04-19T08:43:21Z"
modified: "2026-04-19T08:43:36Z"
---

# Rio Ferdinand names 2 Tottenham players Manchester United should sign if they are relegated

**Tottenham Hotspur remain in the Premier League relegation zone with just five remaining this season.**

The north London side played out a 2-2 draw against Brighton at home on Saturday. A stoppage-time goal from Georginio Rutter broke Tottenham’s hearts as they remain winless in 15 Premier League games. They are still without a domestic win in 2026 and are hurtling towards the drop.

If they get relegated, Spurs will see multiple players leave this summer, with clubs across Europe looking to sign them. And now, Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United should sign two players from the north London side.

## **Ferdinand talks up Man Utd moves for Van de Ven and Spence**

Many Spurs players have been linked with a potential exit this summer, even if they stay up. However, if they get relegated, these players’ exit is almost assured. This includes the likes of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

> Micky van de Ven is said to be a 'long way off' signing a new contract at Tottenham Hotspur and it is understood that concrete talks over a new deal have not taken place ⚪️🇳🇱 [pic.twitter.com/GVkMtDZktV](https://t.co/GVkMtDZktV)
>
> — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) [February 26, 2026](https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/2027073678039728588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Ferdinand named the Dutch defender among the two Tottenham players Manchester United could look at in the summer. When asked which Spurs player he would bring to Old Trafford if they get relegated, the former England defender said on *Rio Ferdinand Presents*:

“None right now, no. Can’t think of any that I’d take, especially the way they’re playing now. \[Micky\] Van de Ven, maybe. Van de Ven and Djed Spence, actually. Djed Spence.”

**Also Read:** [Michael Dawson slams Tottenham player for costly mistake vs Brighton: “Switches off”](https://readtottenham.com/2026/04/18/michael-dawson-slams-tottenham-player-for-costly-mistake-vs-brighton-switches-off/)

Louis Saha has also previously backed Manchester United to sign Van de Ven. Meanwhile, as per [Sports Boom](https://www.sportsboom.com/football/transfer-news-rumours/exclusive-cristian-romero-ready-to-quit-spurs-as-relegation-looms-and-premier-league-giants-circle/), the Red Devils have also ‘made enquiries’ for Cristian Romero for a potential summer move.

Manchester United gave Harry Maguire a new contract, but are still looking to upgrade their defense this summer. They also appear set to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, making them an even more attractive destination.

## **Van de Ven is likely to leave Tottenham**

The Dutch defender has been poor for the majority of the 2025-26 season. He has faced immense criticism, not only for his performances but also for his attitude on the pitch. He has also made some costly errors across competitions this season.

> 🚨 Micky van de Ven: “The other day when we read that one guy told the rest of the team that he doesn't care because he's leaving anyway… it's just made up”.\
> \
> “And the fans will believe it. It's just frustrating for us guys!”. [pic.twitter.com/kLXZVdAmKi](https://t.co/kLXZVdAmKi)
>
> — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) [March 17, 2026](https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2033929137975362030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Hence, Van de Ven has been linked with an exit this summer. His contract with Tottenham expires in 2029. They signed him for €50 million, including add-ons, from Wolfsburg in 2023. Hence, they are likely to demand a much higher fee for his sale.

**Also Read:** [Roberto De Zerbi sends strong message to Tottenham players after Brighton draw: “I don’t want to work with sad people”](https://readtottenham.com/2026/04/19/roberto-de-zerbi-sends-strong-message-to-tottenham-players-after-brighton-draw-i-dont-want-to-work-with-sad-people/)

Meanwhile, [Van de Ven is waiting for Real Madrid](https://readtottenham.com/2026/03/03/micky-van-de-ven-tottenham-transfer-real-madrid/) for a potential transfer. He has also been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool. [Tottenham are also in advanced talks to sign Marcos Senesi](https://readtottenham.com/2026/04/17/david-ornstein-provides-big-marcos-senesi-update-tottenham-fans-will-absolutely-love/). This could further hint at a potential exit for the Netherlands international.