Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has offered his take on the club’s continued Premier League difficulties, making it clear that he does not believe goalkeeper André Onana is the main source of the problem. Instead, Ferdinand argues that United’s long-standing issues stem from a fragile and poorly organised defensive setup.
Speaking during a recent analysis, the former England international stressed that defensive instability has followed Manchester United for several seasons. While criticism has often been directed at Onana since his arrival, Ferdinand insists the spotlight has been misplaced. The Cameroonian was signed for his composure on the ball and proven shot-stopping ability, but according to Ferdinand, his performances have been unfairly judged without considering what happens ahead of him.
Ferdinand was quick to defend the goalkeeper’s quality, pointing to his impressive spells at Ajax and on the international stage. In his view, Onana has not been United’s biggest weakness this season. Rather, the real concern lies in the lack of structure, protection and coordination within the defensive line, which has repeatedly left the goalkeeper exposed.
He emphasised that strong communication and organisation are non-negotiable for any successful defence, qualities United have consistently lacked. Costly mistakes, poor positioning and a failure to cover for one another have become familiar sights, often undoing any positive work done elsewhere on the pitch.
A major issue highlighted by Ferdinand is the absence of a settled central defensive partnership. Injuries and constant rotation have prevented United from building chemistry at the heart of the backline, resulting in uncertainty and hesitation. The full-back positions have also drawn criticism, with players struggling to balance defensive duties and transitions, leaving gaps that opponents are quick to exploit.
According to Ferdinand, solving these problems goes far beyond relying on a top-class goalkeeper. He believes the entire defensive unit must be rebuilt with accountability at its core. If defenders lack trust in each other or fail to take responsibility, even the best goalkeeper in the world will eventually be overwhelmed.
Ferdinand also touched on the influence of tactics and coaching, suggesting that clearer instructions and a more unified defensive approach could significantly improve performances. With better guidance and a defined system, he feels the current squad has the ability to look far more secure than it does now.
Given Manchester United’s proud history of defensive excellence, the current situation is especially concerning. Supporters are used to seeing resilience and authority at the back, making the ongoing struggles difficult to accept. Ferdinand’s comments reflect the frustrations of many fans, while also serving as a reminder that placing blame solely on Onana oversimplifies a much deeper problem.
As United continue to battle inconsistency, Ferdinand’s message is clear: progress will only come when the club prioritises fixing the foundations of the defence. Until the backline is reorganised and reinforced, the Red Devils are unlikely to rediscover the stability and success that once defined them.
