Ferdinand admits he'd like to see Kobbie Mainoo paired with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson in United's midfield.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinant Presents, he said: “Guimaraes and Tonali wouldn’t be my first-choice midfield signings this summer.
“It’s Elliot Anderson. His age, he’s 23 years old… Guimaraes is 28 and Tonali is 25, soon to be 26, so that counts for a lot for me. I want young, hungry players in my squad.
“He complements Mainoo. I think Mainoo is going to be one of the main players in the team now, they’re going to build around him and I think Elliot Anderson absolutely complements him.’
“They’re different. Anderson has that ability, that energy to get around the park, he’s aggressive. We need those legs.
“And he wins the ball. He’s more combative than the other two.
“Elliot Anderson is the only player to win over 150 duels, win possession more than 150 times, and win at least 50 fouls in the Premier League, the whole Premier League I must add, this season. They’re my reasons why, guys.”