Rio Ferdinand has offered an extensive and deeply honest picture of where Man is United, the meaning of their Europa League final against Tottenham, and what it means not only for the current team, but also for the identity of the club.
The United season has been gloomy. They are currently 16th in the Premier League, their worst campaign ever avoided relegation. But on Wednesday they have a chance of continental redemption.
Victory about Spurs will secure the third piece of large silverware from United in three seasons, after he won the FA Cup last year, as well as the Carabao Cup in 2023 and securing a place in the Champions League of next season. But as Ferdinand notes, the deployment is more complex than just silverware or saving European football.
“It's important for culture,” Ferdinand told Mail Sport. 'I don't think it's the all and finite, it does not determine whether the manager stays in a job or not. It is more about giving the players something to feed for the next season. '
The TNT expert added: 'That feeling of winning a cup and what is needed. They are all extremely focused on winning that. It shows you your focus, and if you can do that every game all season, you have the chance to do good things. '
The former United Captain is not illusions. This team, he says, is still in the early stages to become something sustainable. But even if the Europa League is not the ultimate goal, it offers a fundamental moment for a group of players where many fans still have trouble believing in completely.
“None of them really won anything with Manchester United. So that would be a good start. '
The decision of the club to shift the focus to the Europa League has received criticism from some quarters. But Ferdinand believes that it is a pragmatic and logical choice given the current reality of United.
'Some fans think, you know what, I would give everything to go out and win for a day. We recently saw the palace fans. You see the fans of Newcastle. That feeling of winning a one -off competition is unparalleled, “he said.
“We are unable to think:” Oh, if we just go up a few places, we'll be a challenge for the competition. ” It is far from where we are now. So I think it was a wise decision of the club to prioritize the Europa League. It brings you back to the Champions League and also calls you a big, considerable money that helps with the recruitment period and process. '
Ferdinand's realism reflects the mood among many who are connected to the club. The appearance of the right to compete on all fronts has disappeared. Replaced, at least temporarily, due to the urgent need to lay a new foundation.
“I don't think we are able to fight on different fronts.”
In anticipation of the final, Ruben Amorim controversy stirred by claiming that United 'would be the worst Premier League team with a European title' if they won. The remark disturbed feathers, but Ferdinand, to the surprise of many, welcomed Amorim's frankness.
'It is a fair, transparent comment. The players are not stupid. The table does not tell any lies. You are where you are, because that is how bad, or good, you have performed. And we have been bad this season. As 16th, 17th in the competition … you can't sit there and say: “Oh, we are a great team that just lags behind here and there”. '
Ferdinand added that Amorim's honesty could stab, but it is necessary.
“Some people have been calling for years to be transparency and honesty. Then you get it. It hits you between the eyes and you go: “I didn't really want that”. He can't win. But he can't dress it up in any other way. The players would see all the way through it. They would think: “You lie. You chat nonsense”. '
Amorim also told the media that if United starts next season in the same way as they have played it, “someone else should be in his chair.” Again, Ferdinand Quarrel does not make, but offers important nuance.
“I agree. That's fine. I think he is probably truthful in his assessment, “said Ferdinand. 'But I don't think this should determine if he retains his job or not, given that he has not had any transfer window. He has brought in one player, this is not his team in terms of players and profile. '
He called it 'a wild decision' to reject Amorim before he had the chance to build a team or to implement his vision. Ferdinand said: 'There is much to do in terms of recruitment. To imagine that they have brought a manager in and not allow him a window or a pre -season … it would be pretty wild. '
Former teammate Roy Keane caused waves last week with a stabbing criticism of the young trio of United's Young Trio that Kobbie Mainooo 'Sloppy', Alejandro Garnacho 'immature' and Rasmus Hojlund 'not good enough'.
Ferdinand, however, defended the young people. He said: 'They are three young players who need help and they don't get that. There are no senior players there in good condition. The team does not perform consistently. '
He pointed out how the current United environment strongly contrasts with the person he and others got through in the 2000s.
“I could come in as a young player. Wayne Rooney could come in and have a few bad games. It would have unnoticed. These children are not offered that grace because of the current situation. In every other team and era of Man United they would probably have been the last to have been criticized. '
Ferdinand also offered practical advice to Hojlund, the wrestling striker of United who was confronted with control over his movement and productivity, prior to the Europa League final on Wednesday.
“If I were Hojlund, I would go to Garnaacho, to Amad, to Bruno – the makers – and say,” If you are in these positions, I will be here. I will not change. ” So every time a certain creative player is on the ball, they know where he will be. '
The lack of connection between rush hour and the midfielders, Ferdinand suggests, is just as good about communication as chemistry.
'He is currently making so many points, and it is a bit fragmented. There is no real, genuine understanding or connection. That comes with communication and that is a quick solution. '
Finally, Ferdinand was asked about reports that United will not hold a win parade, even if they lift the trophy on Wednesday. His response was half a joke, half out of held, but eventually underlined the standards of United.
'We did not do a victory parade when we won a double, the Premier League and Champions League. If they do a victory parade, I will be devastated. I am kidding, but you know, I understand. '
The idea of a party feels down, he said, given the context.
'The standards of United are very high and it is a different era. But I think some players will probably also be ashamed. Because when you end up 17th in the competition, regardless of what you win, unless it's the Champions League, you probably go: “I don't know how many people will come and see us do the parade.”