"Playing give away" - Rio Ferdinand reacts to Manchester United's first half performance against Tottenham
Rio Ferdinand reacted to Manchester United's first-half performance against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on September 29. The Red Devils were 1-0 down after third-minute strike from Brennan Johnson gave Ange Postecoglu's side the lead at Old Trafford.
Moreover, Manchester United are in real trouble strategically as their skipper Bruno Fernandes has been sent off after a tackle on James Maddison. This is his first-ever red card in a United shirt. Erik ten Hag was quick enough to bring in reinforcements in the midfield.
The manager brought in Mason Mount to replace an injured Kobbie Mainoo in order to keep the creative outlet open. Also, at halftime, he brought in Casemiro to restructure the defensive third.
However, the entire performance from Manchester United was not at all up to the mark in the opening 45 minutes. Tottenham Hotspur could have been three or four goals ahead. Also, the United players were offering a lot of space to the likes of James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, and others in the Spurs frontline.
Rio Ferdinand, himself a former skipper at Manchester United criticised his former team's first-half performance. He wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
"Playing give away 1st half…."
As a player, Rio Ferdinand joined United from Leeds United back in 2002 and left the club after 14 seasons in 2014. He then joined Queens Park Rangers and announced his retirement following a one-year stint at the club.
Ferdinand was also critical of the referee's decision to send off Bruno Fernandes. He wrote on the social media platform:
"Never a red."
Fernandes will miss the next three domestic games for United if his ban isn't overturned.
Manchester United in the Premier League this season
It hasn't been the best of starts to a campaign from Manchester United. They currently sit 11th in the points table with just two wins in six games. The other fixtures saw United lose thrice and draw once.
Moreover, the club has once only one Premier League home game so far, which was in fact their opening game of the campaign. No United player is currently in the top goals or assists provider list in the domestic competition, which will keep Erik ten Hag under pressure.
Another loss at home will mean a breakdown in confidence in the dressing room. United next face FC Porto away in the Europa League on October 3. They will then visit Aston Villa next weekend in the Premier League.