Rio Ferdinand’s Devastating Criticism of Manchester United
Rio Ferdinand, the legendary Manchester United centre-back, was left seething and utterly disappointed following his former team’s 2-2 draw against Everton on Saturday. The 46-year-old, who won six Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League during his 12-year stint at Old Trafford, watched as Ruben Amorim’s side struggled to mount a comeback after going two goals down by half-time. Ferdinand’s post-match analysis was scathing, stating that he has never seen Manchester United play this poorly. He expressed frustration and embarrassment, particularly noting the team’s lack of desire and work ethic. "I’m sitting here and I don’t know if I have seen a United team this bad," he said, adding, "It has been embarrassing in all different facets of the game."
The Team’s Performance: A New Low
Manchester United’s current season has been a rollercoaster of struggles and disappointments, with the team currently languishing in 15th place in the Premier League table and 12 points away from European qualification. Ferdinand’s comments highlight the concerning state of the team, which seems to be hitting new lows. He emphasized that the inability to match Everton’s intensity and determination was particularly unforgivable. "There’s instances in this game where Man Utd need to look at this Everton team and take examples from it. It’s embarrassing to sit here and watch it," Ferdinand remarked. The Red Devils were out-run, out-fought, and out-jumped in every department, falling short of the expectations set for a club of their stature.
Key Moments and Player Ratings
Despite the overall poor performance, Manchester United managed to salvage a point late in the game. Bruno Fernandes was the standout player, scoring a stunning free-kick and a brilliant volley from Manuel Ugarte, who netted his first goal since joining from PSG in the summer. Ken Lawrence of SunSport provided ratings for the United team, giving Bruno Fernandes an 8 for his exceptional display. However, the ratings for other players were less generous. Andre Onana, the goalkeeper, was rated 7 for his crucial 93rd-minute save that kept the team in the match. Diogo Dalot showed some fight and determination, earning a 5, which stood out among the generally low ratings.
Defensive Struggles and Lack of Cohesion
The defensive lineup was a significant point of contention for Ferdinand. Noussair Mazraoui, who was forced to play on the right side of the back three due to a defensive injury crisis, was given a 4 and described as looking "seriously uncomfortable." Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt also struggled, with Maguire out-jumped by Doucoure for Everton’s second goal and de Ligt missing a crucial clearance that led to Beto’s opener. Ferdinand was particularly critical of the lack of cohesion and conviction in the team’s defensive actions. "They have chance after chance to clear the ball. Zero conviction, no-one taking over the situation," he stated. The team’s inability to deal with Everton’s press was a recurring theme throughout the match, contributing to their early deficit.
Midfield Inefficiency and Mixed Substitutions
In midfield, Manchester United’s challenges were equally evident. Casemiro, the experienced Brazilian, was rated a 2 by Lawrence, and Ferdinand noted that he "has become a genuine irrelevance." Patrick Dorgu made a determined start down the left flank but his enthusiasm waned as the game progressed, earning him a 6. Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch forward, was given a 4, with Ferdinand suggesting that his ball control and positioning were lacking. However, the substitutions made by Amorim showed some promise. Alejandro Garnacho, who came on at the 62nd minute, injected pace and passion into the team, earning a 7. Leny Yoro and Chido Obi-Martin also provided some presence and support, though their impact was limited.
Managerial Responsibility and Team Morale
Ferdinand called on Amorim to be brutally honest with his players and to hold them accountable for their lackluster performance. "I hope [Amorim] went absolutely ballistic at the players," Ferdinand said, emphasizing the need for a harsh dressing room assessment. The former defender believes that the team’s poor showing was a result of a misunderstanding of the challenge presented by Everton. "You don’t come to Everton at this place, whatever form they’re in, and think you can roll them over easily. Man Utd have not understood that assignment from the first whistle," he added. Ferdinand’s advice is clear: the manager must not shy away from pointing out the team’s shortcomings to ensure they do not repeat such performances in the future. The morale and commitment of the players are crucial, and they need to step up to the expectations of a top-tier club.
