Rio Ferdinand has backed Manchester United's pursuit of Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, claiming that he would give the Red Devils a much-needed steel.

Speculation is rife that United will sign the 25-year-old this summer but they reportedly saw a £20m bid knocked back on Friday.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman recently revealed that no "serious" bid has been lodged for the Frenchman, but Ferdinand has urged his former club to sign him.

"He's a player who could add something to United, a bit of steel, can pass the ball and play it through the lines from back to front," he is quoted as saying by The Metro.

"I think he's a good player, a good addition to the squad, especially if someone like [Michael] Carrick, who is so influential for United, gets injured.

"I think this guy can step in and help buffer that. I think he's a very good, talented player."

Schneiderlin, whose contract expires in 2017, started 26 games for Southampton last season.