Man Utd icon Ferdinand slams flops for ‘awful’ body language in derby loss and says players are too ‘nice’ to each other
RIO FERDINAND feels the Manchester United squad is too nice to each other and told players to quit the club if they are not prepared to work hard. The former Manchester United star was speaking following United’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in the derby. Gary Neville and Peter Schmeichel have been vocal in their […]
RIO FERDINAND feels the Manchester United squad is too nice to each other and told players to quit the club if they are not prepared to work hard.
The former Manchester United star was speaking following United’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in the derby.
Gary Neville and Peter Schmeichel have been vocal in their criticism of not just United’s performance, but with the desire on show.
And now Ferdinand has joined in, suggesting the players are not tough enough with each other and instead down tools when things go against them.
Ferdinand said on Vibe With Five: “I feel from the outside looking in, they all just want to be mates.
“No one wants to put someone’s nose out of joint. It’s like they’re all in an office job in the city. They’re all being nice and they don’t really like each other but they won’t tell each other.
“To win, you’ve got to be pulling people abou,t telling them ‘you’re rubbish, sort yourself out.’ You don’t have to be that aggressive either… it can be a simple conversation. Please tell me they are (doing that).
“I don’t see a response. Their body language is awful, walking about slumped, like the world’s against them, looking unhappy.
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“You’re playing for United man, in a derby, do you know how much those fans in that stadium would give to be on that pitch and you’re walking around like ‘I could be doing better things than this on a Sunday’.
“That’s the vibe I’m getting from certain guys. Fred’s an easy cop out, the system didn’t suit him at all.
“We’ve seen too many managers come and go, it’s not about the manager. If you’re not here to play football, take criticism and improve yourselves every day. If you’re not willing to work hard every day, come out of the club.”
United offered nothing after falling 3-1 down at The Etihad and had just eight per cent possession in the last 15 minutes.
Another Red Devils legend, Teddy Sheringham, believes the problem lies not just with the players but those running the club.
He questioned the decision to appoint an interim manager, suggesting players will not be concerned about letting down a boss who is not there for the long-term.
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