Ferdinand sums ‘absolutely criminal’ Man Utd up by citing player who has ‘pulled our pants down’
Rio Ferdinand has slammed Manchester United for allowing record signing Paul Pogba to leave – as it stands – as a free agent this summer.
Talk of the Red Devils’ lacklustre campaign during the international break had focused on the battle for the Premier League’s top four. There was hope that a break would refocus minds for a final spell of good results.
However, the problems at Old Trafford continued in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Leicester.
Man Utd went behind to Kelechi Iheanacho’s strike, before Fred equalised moments later. Nevertheless, Leicester had the better chances to seal victory. James Maddison had a later goal ruled out by VAR.
Gary Neville hit out at Ralf Rangnick after the game. He urged the interim manager to stop playing Bruno Fernandes as a false nine and use Marcus Rashford as a striker instead.
Speaking in his own assessment of the game, Ferdinand claimed the club have nowhere to hide over contract decisions such as Pogba’s case. The midfielder’s contract expires this summer and looks set to leave as a free agent.
Told on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel that selecting players who are leaving is risky, Ferdinand said: “That’s because business has been done poorly I think at the club.
“I don’t think we should be allowed players to get down to this stage of their contracts, I don’t think it should happen.
“If someone like Marcus [Rashford], like Pogba, you want to keep these players if they’re playing well. If you have the desire to keep them get it done and dusted.
“Economically, to let someone leave you’ve spent £80m-£90m, come in and leave plus wages, leave on a free transfer is absolutely criminal.
“Twice. He pulled our pants down twice. Unbelievable.”
Pogba left United in 2012 for Juventus and turned into one of Europe’s best midfielders. The Red Devils subsequently spent £89million to bring him back in 2016.
Ferdinand watching on as Man Utd top-four hopes fade
The France international started in an advanced role alongside Fernandes against Leicester and played 74 minutes.
However, neither he nor his United team-mates ever looked like taking the game to the Foxes.
Leicester were the same in the first half, but they went in front both times in the game – the latter goal ruled out.
The result left United in sixth and results on Sunday left them in seventh.
Tottenham’s win over Newcastle pushed Spurs three points above United. Meanwhile, West Ham defeated Everton to move past the Red Devils.
Arsenal, who can go back above Spurs into fourth by beating Crystal Palace on Monday, still have to play United.
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