“He shouldn’t be at Man United. We are more than this. This big club shouldn’t be accomodating this type of players because its a disgrace to the club” – Rio Ferdinand blasts club’s reliance on defender who is still at the club causing a lot of errors in every match. “Pep Guardiola can never have this type of player in his team. He plays disgusting football and he is causing the club a lot”.
Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United player and six-time Premier League champion, has voiced his concerns over the club’s heavy reliance on senior center-back Jonny Evans this season.
Ferdinand, who shared the pitch with Evans during three title-winning campaigns, including his own departure from Old Trafford in 2014, highlighted Evans’ unexpected return to prominence this season. Initially brought into Erik ten Hag’s squad for fitness maintenance, Evans’ short-term deal for United’s pre-season tour was extended to a one-year contract.
Despite being 36 years old, Evans has emerged as a key figure in the United squad due to injuries to senior defenders. He has featured prominently in crucial matches, including Manchester derbies, clashes against Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur, amassing 23 appearances this season.
While Ferdinand praised Evans’ performances and professionalism, he criticized United for leaning too heavily on him. He acknowledged Evans’ excellent form but expressed his belief that Evans should not be the linchpin of United’s defense, especially against top-class strikers like Erling Haaland.
Ferdinand speculated on Evans’ future, suggesting that his form might earn him a new contract either at United or elsewhere. However, he emphasized that Evans’ current role at United highlights the club’s precarious situation, indicating that such reliance on an older player should not be the norm for top clubs in modern football.
As Evans races against time to regain fitness for United’s upcoming fixture against Everton, Ferdinand’s comments underscore the ongoing debate surrounding United’s defensive strategy and squad depth.
