Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has revealed that club legend Rio Ferdinand was his inspiration growing up.
Ferdinand became the world's most expensive defender when he joined Man United from Leeds United in 2002, but that is an accolade Maguire now holds himself following his £80m switch from Leicester City last year.
Ferdinand went on to make 455 appearances for the Red Devils, winning six Premier League titles and one Champions League, and Maguire revealed that the former England international revolutionised the position he now plays in.
"Rio Ferdinand took defending to another level, in terms of bringing the ball out from the back, stepping in and committing players," Maguire told The Mirror.
"He's the player who made me open my eyes and think 'that's what you need to be a top centre-back'."
Maguire has made 41 appearances for United across all competitions this season.
Barney Corkhill
