Rio Ferdinand has launched a scathing critique of Manchester United after they suffered yet another home defeat in the Premier League, this time at the hands of Crystal Palace.
The 0-2 loss at Old Trafford saw Jean-Philippe Mateta score a second-half brace, leaving United with little to show for another disappointing performance. This defeat marked the fifth home league loss in six games for Ruben Amorim’s side, underlining the growing concerns surrounding the club’s form and direction.
Ferdinand, a club legend, made his frustrations clear in a YouTube video following the game, expressing how the fear factor that once existed at Old Trafford has evaporated. The former United defender pointed out that teams now arrive at Old Trafford with no respect, a stark contrast to the fortress it once was. For Ferdinand, it wasn’t a huge surprise to see the team fail once again, stating that the defeat had almost become a predictable outcome. The loss to Crystal Palace was just the latest in a series of embarrassing defeats to the likes of Brighton, Newcastle, and Bournemouth this season.
With Manchester United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League, Ferdinand noted that there was no sign of improvement despite repeated home failures. The performance against Crystal Palace reflected the same problems the club has been facing all season – a lack of direction, poor tactics, and an inability to break down opponents. Ferdinand lamented the lack of cohesion within the team and stressed that the current squad seems incapable of executing the manager’s ideas, particularly in attacking play.
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One of the major talking points from the match was Ruben Amorim’s decision to field Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine, opting to leave out both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund. Ferdinand questioned this move, wondering what it means for the future of the two strikers. He also expressed concern about the club’s apparent interest in signing young Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, suggesting that United may be looking to bring in yet another young forward without addressing the core issues in attack. This move has raised questions about the club’s strategy and the effectiveness of Amorim’s decisions.
Ferdinand also expressed his frustration with United’s lack of attacking threat, especially with Mainoo playing in an unfamiliar position. He pointed out that with Mainoo up front, Bruno Fernandes was forced to drop deeper, leading to a lack of presence in the final third. This tactical shift left United struggling to create meaningful chances, which was evident in their inability to break down Crystal Palace’s defense. For Ferdinand, the performance was yet another example of how far the team has fallen under Amorim’s leadership.
The pressure on Ruben Amorim continues to mount as Manchester United’s struggles persist. With the team lacking identity and showing no real improvement, Ferdinand emphasized the need for the manager to find a way to inspire confidence and positivity within the squad. However, with United’s form showing little sign of improvement, it seems that the club’s troubles are far from over, and the situation at Old Trafford remains critical.
