Breaking News: Rio Ferdinand Blasts Manchester United’s Defensive Lapses After Costly Draw

Rio Ferdinand didn’t hold back after Manchester United’s latest setback, launching a fiery on-air tirade that sent shockwaves through the football world.

The former United captain, clearly livid during the post-match broadcast, vented his frustration after watching the replays repeatedly. “Šeško was doing everything right — pressing, running, creating space,” he said. “But take a look behind him. The defending, the positioning, the communication — it’s a disaster.”

Although he avoided mentioning names, reports quickly pointed to a senior United defender whose costly lapses handed Tottenham both of their equalizing goals. “You can’t just switch off twice in the same game,” Ferdinand continued. “It’s unacceptable. But because he’s well-liked, nobody’s saying a word. Well, I will.”

Manchester United had looked comfortable for much of the match, pressing high and causing problems for Spurs through Benjamin Šeško’s relentless movement. Yet midway through the second half, their defense completely unraveled. Analysts reviewing the footage agreed that both goals were the result of poor defensive awareness rather than attacking wastefulness.

Ferdinand made it clear he wasn’t having any of the social media criticism directed at Šeško. “The lad ran himself into the ground. He fought for every ball. What more can you ask? He’s not Superman — he can’t score, defend, and cover up everyone else’s mistakes,” he argued, insisting the real issue lies in the team’s lack of defensive organization and leadership.

Inside sources revealed that tensions boiled over in the dressing room after the game, with several players reportedly angry that Šeško was being scapegoated while the real culprits escaped blame. “Everyone knows who made those errors,” one insider said. “But he’s one of the senior players, so nobody’s calling him out. It’s creating quiet frustration.”

Fans were just as divided online, flooding social media platforms with heated debates. Yet despite the noise, one thing united them — disappointment in the team’s defensive line, which many believe cost United the win.

The statistics backed Ferdinand’s claims. The unnamed defender recorded just 72% pass accuracy (compared to the team’s 84% average), won only three of eleven duels, and managed a single interception. His overall match rating of 4/10 reflected a dismal performance by top-flight standards.

Ferdinand also questioned manager Ruben Amorim’s decision-making, suggesting that loyalty may be clouding his judgment. “You can’t keep starting players who make the same mistakes week in, week out,” he said. “If you’re serious about progress, you have to make changes.”

Despite missing an early chance, Šeško was praised by pundits — including Tottenham legend Ledley King — who called him one of United’s best performers. “He didn’t hide,” King said. “He kept pressing, kept moving. The problem wasn’t him — it was the players behind him.”

Now, with pressure mounting, Amorim faces a difficult decision. Dropping the unnamed “untouchable” defender would send a message of accountability but could also disrupt the dressing room’s balance. Ferdinand, however, believes there’s only one correct approach. “If you cost the team goals, you sit on the bench. No favoritism. That’s how winning teams operate.”

United’s 2–2 draw against Tottenham wasn’t just another stumble — it was a reminder of deeper issues within the squad. Šeško’s determination can only take the team so far if others continue to switch off at crucial moments. With tough fixtures against Arsenal, Newcastle, and Chelsea looming, Amorim must fix his defensive unit fast or risk watching United’s title challenge fade before Christmas.

For Ferdinand, his message was simple yet powerful: accountability must come before popularity. “Football’s straightforward,” he concluded. “You win together, you lose together. But if people keep making the same mistakes and no one’s brave enough to say it, the team goes nowhere.”

Manchester United now face the real test — learning from their errors or repeating them until the season slips away once again.