Rio Ferdinand was notably unimpressed with a Manchester United player’s performance during their 2-1 Europa League win against Rangers at Old Trafford on Thursday.
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Ruben Amorim’s team struggled to secure the victory. They took the lead due to an own goal from former United goalkeeper Jack Butland and appeared to be in control. ..Continue Reading
However, Rangers’ substitute Cyriel Dessers equalized in the 88th minute, much to the delight of the visiting fans.
Just when it seemed like another disappointing night at Old Trafford was on the cards, Lisandro Martinez found Bruno Fernandes, who executed a perfect volley to clinch the win for the Red Devils.
The win moved United to fourth place in the 36-team Europa League group stage, likely securing an automatic spot in the round of 16.
Despite their progress, former defender Ferdinand, 46, criticized a United player, describing them as “non-existent” during the first half.
Former Rangers player and manager Ally McCoist, commentating for TNT Sports alongside Ferdinand, thought Joshua Zirkzee had “done alright” but admitted “you’d like to see more of a goalscoring threat.”
Ferdinand, however, was more critical in his assessment of Zirkzee’s performance.
“I thought he was non-existent in the first half, to be honest but I thought he improved in the second half,” said Ferdinand.
“He still wasn’t a real threat on the goal but they got their goal in the end.”
Zirkzee, 23, was substituted by Rasmus Hojlund in the 82nd minute. Since joining from Bologna for a reported £36 million in the summer of 2024, the Netherlands international has struggled to meet expectations.
With only four goals in 32 appearances this season, he has not secured his place as Amorim’s first choice, with the Portuguese manager alternating between Zirkzee and Hojlund.
United will be back on the pitch Sunday evening, traveling to Craven Cottage to face Marco Silva’s Fulham in the Premier League before resuming their European campaign against FCSB (FC Steaua București) in Romania on Thursday, January 30th.
