"They've bought a great player but they've paid a high price for him. I'd like to sign Rio Ferdinand but for £10m less.
"I'm not surprised that United have the three most expensive players in Britain. It reflects their financial strength. When you have a lot of money in your pocket you buy expensive. That's what they've done.
"Last season's title win was far more convincing than in 1998. I think we can make a better job of defending it this time. I don't think the team we have now has reached its full potential."
Gary Neville reckons Rio's the right move for United though:
"There will be a settling in period for Rio and it's up to us to make sure we all work together to create the best possible defence.
"Rio's a big-time player. I have seen that first-hand with England. This club is as good as it gets and when he runs out here for the first time in front of almost 70,000 people, he'll know he's made the right decision.
"Him coming here has given all the players a lift. The defence took a lot of stick last year and it was obvious that it was going to be the main priority to bring in someone new in that area.
"Gary Pallister was probably the best defender I've played with here and I think Rio can be every bit as good as him.
"I also think Rio can be a future leader at this club. He's very vocal on the pitch and has matured so much as a player over the past few years. I didn't see a better centre-half at the World Cup."
Peter Kenyon:
"Rio's nationality is important because the backbone of the team is built on English players.
"There are more wet, cold days than there are hot sunny ones and British players know what to expect.
"We have always said we want to keep the core of our team English. We know what their international commitments are - they are not going to suddenly depart on long-haul flights around the world every five weeks.
"These things are disruptive, irrespective of skill. The team spirit thing has worked for us. The Premier League is a tough league and in some respects is unique. It is not going to take Rio three months to acclimatise."