Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed the one underrated nation that is his pick for the ‘dark horse’ team at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
Host nation Germany will kick off Euro 2024 on Friday when they face Scotland in their Group A opener at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.
Julian Nagelsmann’s men are considered among the favourites to win the competition alongside France, Portugal and England.
Euro 2020 champions Italy begin their title defence on Saturday with their opening Group B clash against Albania at Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion stadium.
England are in Group C alongside Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia, while France will play against the Netherlands, Poland and Austria in Group D.
Portugal, who have Manchester United stars Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot among their ranks, will face Turkey, Georgia and the Czech Republic in Group F.
Several United players have been called up by their respective nations for Euro 2024, while others have reported for international duty for the 2024 Copa America.
Man Utd legend Ferdinand names ‘dark horse’
Speaking on TNT Sports (via TikTok), Rio Ferdinand was asked about his predictions for Euro 2024 ahead of Germany’s opening match against Scotland.
The Manchester United legend revealed that Turkey would be his choice for the ‘dark horse’ team at the UEFA competition this summer.
Turkey impressed during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and finished top of Group D ahead of 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia.
The country finished one point clear of Croatia after winning five of their eight Euro 2024 qualifiers, with Turkey suffering only one defeat in their campaign.
However, Vincenzo Montella’s men face a tough task in reaching the knockout stages, with Turkey set to face one of the Euro 2024 favourites in Group F.
Altay Bayindir called up for Turkey
Forgotten United player Altay Bayindir has been called up for international duty with Turkey for Euro 2024.
The 26-year-old Turkish shot-stopper arrived at Old Trafford last summer after he was signed from Fenerbahce for a reported £4.3m.
Altay Bayindir, who became the first Turkish player to represent United, struggled for first-team minutes and played second fiddle to Andre Onana last season.
The former Fenerbahce player made his club debut in the FA Cup, which was also his only appearance for the Red Devils in the 2023-24 campaign.
Bayindir started in the 4-2 win against Newport County in the fourth round after Andre Onana was away with Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The United player, who has been capped nine times for Turkey, opened up about his time at Old Trafford and playing second fiddle to Onana.
“We have good teammates and everyone is positive every day,” Bayindir told Manchester United’s official website in January.
“That’s the most important thing for us. All the goalkeepers, their character is very nice. We are always positive.
“Of course, we are fighting [to be] on the pitch, because everyone wants to play with the team in the stadium.
“But we have a good energy. It doesn’t matter who is playing, because we will, of course, support them every time.
“Team spirit is very important, you know? If we are doing this, we can be successful in the game, it’s very important. I think if we’re always doing that, we can always go up.”