Opinion: Manchester United should reignite transfer interest in Championship player | OneFootball

Manchester United emerged as an interested party in 18-year-old Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards in the summer, according to print edition of The Mirror (26/9 p74).

The young defender, who has cemented himself as a regular first-teamer in the Championship this season, was watched by 18 Premier League scouts during a U23 fixture in September.

Despite being just 18 years old, Edwards possesses maturity and adds composure to Peterborough’s backline, and whilst he did not start the campaign in the starting XI, his ability to get himself into regular contention in England’s second-tier, suggests that he has what it takes to operate in the higher division.

Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson has described Edwards as the best young player that he has ever managed, whilst director Barry Fry issued a “hands off” type of message when news first emerged that the Premier League scouts were swarming over the young defender.

Despite his age, Edwards possesses somewhat of a physical presence, and as he continues to grow, there is no doubt that he will become a dominant player when it comes to both aerial battles and his strength when tackling.

Manchester United are one team that would benefit from the signature of Edwards.

Not only have United struggled for defensive stability in recent years, but this is a player who is on his way to becoming a world-class defender in years to come.

There is not too many better current defenders in the Championship that are currently better when in possession, and as he continues to develop as a player, that is only going to advance.

The Mirror’s report also states that Sir Alex Ferguson has personally recommended Edwards to United, after watching him several times whilst playing for his son’s side.

Edwards is a player who is proving himself in the Championship and is operating within a side who are new to the division.

All the signs suggest that Edwards can be a top player, and the amount of interest he has been accumulating, is another indication as to the extremely high ceiling that he has.