Rio Ferdinand reveals clear Man United demand after ‘remarkable’ start to the season
Ruben Amorim may be doing better that expected after Man United received praise from Rio Ferdinand for their start to the season.
Amorim may face the sack at Man United if results and performances do not improve following a summer of investment in the squad.
Man United’s 2-1 win over Chelsea was just their second of the season, helped by an early red card to goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The Red Devils face Brentford next, with Casemiro suspended after also being sent off against Chelsea, and with Benjamin Sesko yet to score for the club.
Rio Ferdinand hails ‘remarkable’ Man United start but consistency needed
Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand believes the club’s start to the season needs to be put in perspective and that their points total so far is positive.
As per the Daily Mirror [26 September], Ferdinand said: “I am not jumping and punching the air, going crazy because we still lack that consistency.
“But I think the run of games that we have had, I think there is nobody in the league who has had a harder start to the season in terms of opponents. But, to get seven points like that was rather remarkable really and I think that’s a positive to take out of it.
“At the same time, as a football club, you only really get taken seriously when you show a level of consistency with results and I think that is something which is a definite ask and demand of these players.
“Maybe [the start would look better if they hadn’t lost to Grimsby] but I think you are seeing a lot of positives in the games here and there but just not the consistency.
“You are seeing glimpses and moments that these players can introduce where you go: ‘Oh wow that is brilliant,’ but to be a successful side you need that consistency with that and that is what this team needs to do.”
Man United’s humiliating defeat to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup has provided Amorim with a week to work with his squad.
Not participating in Europe this season means Man United have a lighter fixture schedule compared to many of their rivals.
| Goals Per Match | 1.2 |
| Expected Goals | 10.1 |
| Goals Conceded Per Match | 1.6 |
| xG Conceded | 7.3 |
Ferdinand claim backed up and Champions loom
Ferdinand claimed that Man United have had the toughest start to the Premier League season, and the Red Devils have played three of last season’s top four already.
The next two fixtures, against Brentford and Sunderland, do provide an opportunity to put together a run of victories.
Amorim cannot use excuses to defend not being able to beat a struggling Brentford side and Sunderland at Old Trafford.
Then Man United travel to Anfield, and take on Liverpool, the biggest test of the season that Amorim will have to navigate, which will really show how much progress he is making.