Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has consistently been a harsh critic of the current direction at Old Trafford. Since he parted ways with the club he’s taken shots at how United did/does business, personnel moves, the style of play on the pitch and even his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Of course, United keep giving Ferdinand more material to criticize them. Ferdinand offered more than just criticism today though, he also gave his insight about how things could go if Ryan Giggs succeeds Louis van Gaal as Manager.
“Jose Mourinho’s name is getting mentioned. If you want someone whose got a career track record in winning in the Premier League and various other countries, then he’s that guy,” Rio Ferdinand told NDTV.
“But if you want someone who understands the philosophy, whose respectful of the philosophy, who identifies with the fans, knows the place inside out, who’s going to be a bigger risk, then Ryan Giggs is that guy.”
Louis van Gaal or not remains to be seen. As of now, LVG doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, but the entire world of football media seems to think that Mourinho to Old Trafford by May is a done deal. If it’s not the special one, then rumors are it will be Giggs. Van Gaal has said several times that Giggs is supposed to inherit the job from him.
If Jose Mourinho moving to Man United is supposed to be a secret, then it’s a very poorly kept one. At this point, it’s really on Ed Woodard and the Old Trafford board to bring some kind of definitive clarity to this situation.
Ferdinand also took a few swipes at United’s dull, tedious style of play today.
“From when I left, I knew it would be difficult. But I expected more,” said Ferdinand, who made 455 appearances for the club.
“I expected us to make a bigger change under the new manager but it just hasn’t gone as well as we would have liked.
“I think the biggest problem today is the style of football. If you speak to anybody, that’s the biggest problem for people.
“They can understand not winning sometimes, but if you play the right way, the philosophy that everyone has come to expect from Manchester United, then people will be more accommodated. But that has not been the case.”
In October, Rio Ferdinand also admitted that he was upset when Fergie named Gary Neville the team captain over him. Ferdinand believed that he should have been the choice. Rio Ferdinand is not shy about expressing his discontent. On September 10th, he hit out at current United Manager Louis van Gaal.
In 2014, he was unhappy with his role at Old Trafford, as he publicly voiced that displeasure. At the time, he even got defensive with a fan on Twitter who was just simply wishing him well.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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