Man United legend Rio Ferdinand named the ONE United player that must leave in other for United to lift Trophy this season
Manchester United’s new season is already spiraling into turmoil, and the storm clouds grew darker after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford. The loss has left fans restless, and Rio Ferdinand has wasted no time in pointing fingers at both the manager and his players. The United legend warned that unless bold decisions are made quickly, Ruben Amorim could oversee yet another campaign without silverware.
Speaking in the aftermath of the defeat, Ferdinand’s frustration boiled over. He questioned Amorim’s judgment, suggesting that keeping faith in underperforming players could cost the club dearly. His sharpest criticism was aimed squarely at Manuel Ugarte, the midfielder recruited to add bite and balance in the middle of the park.
Instead of dictating play, Ugarte looked overwhelmed against Arsenal. He surrendered possession too easily, failed to shield the backline, and struggled to cope with the intensity of the Premier League. For Ferdinand, it was a performance far below the standards required at United. He bluntly stated that if Amorim continues to rely on the Uruguayan, he risks being shown the door himself.
“This isn’t Portugal or France anymore,” Ferdinand raged. “At United, you can’t afford passengers in midfield. Ugarte looked lost, and that’s not acceptable at this level.”
The verdict has divided the fanbase. Some supporters echoed Ferdinand’s concerns, branding Ugarte a panic signing who isn’t cut out for English football. Others believe the criticism is premature, arguing that the blame lies more with Amorim’s tactical setup than with the player himself.
Still, the pressure is mounting. Amorim’s reign has barely begun, yet already questions swirl about his team selections and whether he has the authority to steer United through the unforgiving Premier League. Losing at home to a direct rival on opening weekend has only magnified the scrutiny.
For Ferdinand, the warning couldn’t be clearer: United must be ruthless if they want to keep pace with Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. If Amorim sticks with Ugarte and performances like this continue, the club could be staring down another season of frustration and failure.
