Legendary Newcastle No9 analyses United's £35m Joelinton 'mistake'

The QPR director of football, known as Sir Les on Tyneside after two goal-laden seasons at United in the mid-nineties, admits he kept an eye on Joelinton while he was playing in Germany – and does not think he is suited to playing a central role, despite his stature.

“It is part of my job to know players like Joelinton - and although we couldn't afford him, we were aware of him,” Ferdinand told BeIN Sports’ ‘Year of my life’ feature.

“I know Hoffenheim's director of football quite well and I had seen Joelinton play a few times.

“This issue he has got is that he is not the traditional No9. He is a modern day centre forward who can play left and right, and through the centre. His a player who prefers to play left and right but when you have someone of his ilk and size, everyone expects him to be the No9.

“He would have to learn the position to be the No9 Newcastle want him to be, but I am not sure that's how he wants to play.”

Despite arriving for a record breaking £35million fee in the summer, Joelinton has scored just three goals for United, only one of which has come in the Premier League.