Rio addresses the question all Man Utd fans want answered

Updated: 5 Oct 2024 05:57 CDT
3 min read

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has spoken about the situation involving Marcus Rashford.

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The Red Devils have had a torrid start to the season. They have played two Europa League matches, drawing both of them, while they find themselves 13th in the Premier League table.

Their latest European venture was a 3-3 draw with Porto. Rashford found the net and provided an assist in the contest, which was a welcome break from his previous displays this season where he has looked rusty.

Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, said that he enjoyed seeing the former England international playing more direct than before.

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“I think we should start with positives first,” he said. “I thought the first 20 minutes we looked good, man. I thought it was a good performance. I thought with the ball especially.

“I thought Rashford, I think he was direct. I think his goal was… that was Rashford, that was the Rashford I know and you want to see regularly. Running at people, looked like he was being direct, looked like there was a little bit of confidence that came back. Even his celebration was a bit like, ‘Yeahhhh.’ That’s what I like to see, man.

Ten Hag's Rashford decision

© IMAGO - Marcus Rashford enjoyed the game against Porto

However, Ferdinand said that he could not get his head around Erik ten Hag's decision to take Rashford off for the second half. "But then he’s brought off. I can’t lie, I just think he gets a goal, it’s like before, he scored a couple of goals, then the manager takes him out.

“Then he scores here, building a bit of confidence, yes, I think he could have done better for the Porto second goal, but one of your goalscorers is scoring again. Do you know what I mean? He’s in a nice vein of form, building a bit of confidence, building a bit of momentum.”

United face Aston Villa this weekend and a loss will be the final nail in Ten Hag's coffin, it is thought. The Dutchman helped Rashford to a career-best of 30 goals the season before last but the 26-year-old has fallen off a cliff since then. He was even dropped by former England boss Gareth Southgate for Euro 2024.

Read more about: Premier League, Man Utd, Porto, Twente, Marcus Rashford