Rio Ferdinand: 'I would have dragged Renato Sanches to Manchester United'

Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Manchester United should have "dragged" Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches to Old Trafford "by his hair".

The 19-year-old, previously on Benfica's books, agreed to join the Bundesliga giants before helping Portugal to win the European Championships in the summer.

Sanches is said to have received a "firm offer" from the Red Devils prior to his Bayern move, and Ferdinand believes that his former club should have fought harder to sign the teenager.

"If I was a Man United scout, Renato Sanches would already be at the club," Ferdinand told Portuguese newspaper A Bola.

"Renato is a modern player - aggressive, strong, powerful, got technique, can shoot and pass.

"I like him. I'd have dragged him by his hair and said 'let's go!'"

Sanches has made 10 appearances for Bayern under Carlo Ancelotti this season.