Rio Ferdinand suggests that four Manchester United players, with a combined value of £236 MILLION, are not a good match for Ruben Amorim’s tactical approach.
The former Old Trafford defender believes that progress under the manager’s 3-4-3 formation has been slower than many anticipated.
Following Erik ten Hag’s departure and the arrival of a new manager with his own playing style, the current situation at United is likely not what fans expected.
Manchester United narrowly defeated Ipswich 3-2 on Wednesday, a team struggling against relegation, in a game marked by errors and a red card.
Harry Maguire’s header secured the victory for United after goals from Sam Morsy (own-goal) and Matthijs de Ligt, which had been equalized by two goals from Jaden Philogene-Bidace.
While Amorim’s project is still in its early stages, fans are eager for results. Ferdinand believes that at least four players are not ideally suited for the 3-4-3 formation.
Ferdinand suggests that Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt may lack the physical attributes needed to excel in Amorim’s system at Old Trafford.
Speaking on TNT Sports, the pundit commented, “To be brutally honest, the anticipated progress has not materialized.”
“This team is not characterized by mobility and dynamism. Looking at the core of this team, they possess different strengths.”
“They lack the physicality and the capacity to overpower teams in that aspect.”
When asked if Zirkzee fits the profile, Ferdinand responded, “No… De Ligt, Maguire, Hojlund, it’s not their natural game.”
“Therefore, the manager needs to identify players who can execute his tactics and also possess the necessary physical attributes.”
Despite initial optimism, Amorim’s first 16 Premier League matches have only resulted in 18 points.
The four players Ferdinand mentioned were acquired by United for a total of £236 million, none of whom were signed by Amorim.
Maguire’s transfer from Leicester in 2019 was a record £85m for a defender, while De Ligt was a £43m acquisition.
Fans are increasingly critical of Hojlund, a £72m signing, and Zirkzee, who arrived for approximately £36m in the summer.
Amorim is expected to overhaul the squad, assessing which players have the qualities to suit his system.
However, whether United can afford a significant rebuild is questionable given their financial constraints and need to sell players before making new signings.
Currently positioned 14th in the Premier League, United’s most realistic path to European competition may lie through other avenues.
As FA Cup holders, they have an opportunity to qualify for the Europa League by winning again, and winning the Europa League itself would secure a Champions League spot.
The team’s immediate schedule includes matches against Fulham and Real Sociedad, crucial games for Amorim’s Manchester United.
Concerns are also rising about a potential conflict between Amorim and Alejandro Garnacho after the player reacted strongly to being substituted in the recent match.
Marcus Bellamy