Man United Transfers: 4 Replacements For Rio Ferdinand

1. Ezequiel Garay

Topping the list is the Argentine international who currently plies his trade in Portugal with Benfica. Starting his European career in Spain at Racing Santander, he was known for being a good penalty taker there (an unusual attribute for a centre back, but certainly comes in handy) and grabbed 12 goals in his 3 seasons there before a much vaunted move to Real Madrid.

His experience at the Bernabeu were arguably was more of frustration than opportunity and game time, so much so he was loaned back to Racing Santander before returning to Madrid to try and increase his standing in the central defensive hierarchy. As his career tell us, he couldn't break though much and after two years of making just 25 appearances in the Spanish capital, he transferred to play for Benfica. It is his time there and the impact made during his stay that propels him on to the list as one of Europe's best central defenders. As well as being first choice for Benfica, he has held down a place in the Argentina squad and remained there relatively unchallenged. Displays in Europe have made the best take notice- including two solid displays against United in the 2011-12 season. As any footballer will tell you, they want to win trophies wherever the play and the lack of honours won at Benfica ( a solitary League Championship in 2011-12) could be a pushing factor from the Portuguese side and thus a pulling factor for a prospective move to Man United, as the Spanish press have reported has already happened. There we have it. Who would you have to replace Rio Ferdinand? Feel free to comment!