Rio Ferdinand reportedly said as he blamed one Manchester United player for a poor performance against Aston Villa
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has singled out Manuel Ugarte as a key figure in the club’s disappointing 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday, arguing that United’s problems were most evident in midfield, where control and authority were badly lacking. The loss saw the Red Devils struggle to impose themselves, with the centre of the pitch becoming a major weakness in a game that demanded composure and leadership.
During his post-match analysis, Ferdinand was blunt in his assessment of Ugarte’s display, suggesting the midfielder failed to deliver what was expected of him. He pointed to a lack of energy and imagination, noting that United were missing a player capable of linking defence and attack while setting the tempo. In a fixture of that intensity, Ferdinand stressed, the midfield must provide stability and direction, something he felt was absent throughout large spells of the match.
Ugarte, who arrived in the summer with the reputation of being a solution to United’s midfield issues, has shown promise at times but continues to face criticism for uneven performances. Ferdinand’s comments reflected the growing frustration among supporters who believed the Uruguayan would rise to the occasion in high-pressure encounters. Instead, he appeared to struggle against Villa’s midfield, finding himself outworked and outplayed as United lost control of key moments.
The defeat has once again drawn attention to unresolved issues within the squad and raised questions about how well Ugarte fits into the current tactical setup. Observers have suggested that earlier displays may have inflated expectations, and Ferdinand’s critique underlined the need for rapid improvement if United are serious about competing near the top of the table.
Ferdinand also highlighted the unforgiving nature of the Premier League, particularly for younger players trying to establish themselves. He warned that there is no room for quiet or ineffective performances at a club of United’s stature, emphasizing that every involvement matters. For him, Ugarte’s showing fell below the standard required.
While the season still offers time for recovery and growth, Ferdinand’s remarks serve as a sharp reminder of the demands placed on players wearing the United shirt. Ugarte now has the chance to respond on the pitch, but with pressure increasing and patience wearing thin, both he and the team must show swift improvement to avoid further setbacks.
