I am Happy that Manchester United won this game, but we need to say the truth out. The four of them is holding Amorim back from turning this team into the glorious team it has always been, the way they played today made it obvious that they’re the bad eggs in the squad and this has to be addressed before it spreads to the whole team….” Rio Ferdinand Blames Four Manchester United Stars for Holding Rúben Amorim Back
Following Manchester United’s 3-2 triumph over Ipswich Town on February 26, 2025, club icon Rio Ferdinand has raised concerns about the squad’s ability to adapt to manager Rúben Amorim’s tactical approach. Despite the victory, Ferdinand believes that certain players lack the physical attributes required to execute Amorim’s high-intensity game plan effectively.
Ferdinand’s Concerns
While analyzing the match, Ferdinand pointed out that United’s current squad does not reflect the athleticism and dynamism that Amorim’s teams are known for.
> “The way that he [Amorim] wants to play… They were an athletic, dynamic team. This team, they’re not a mobile, dynamic team.”
This statement underscores the gap between Amorim’s tactical demands and the squad’s capabilities.
Players Struggling to Adapt
Ferdinand suggested that four key players may not be suited to Amorim’s style:
Joshua Zirkzee – The forward has drawn criticism for his lack of mobility and pressing, which are crucial in Amorim’s system.
Rasmus Højlund – While talented, Højlund has struggled with consistency in meeting the tactical and physical demands of the role.
Matthijs de Ligt – Despite his technical ability, concerns remain about his agility and adaptability in a high-pressing defensive setup.
Harry Maguire – Frequently questioned for his pace, Maguire’s defensive style does not align with the fluid and fast-paced approach Amorim seeks to implement.
Ferdinand stressed the need for players who can meet both the tactical and physical requirements of the system:
> “It’s not their game, so I think he [Amorim] needs to find those types of players with the capabilities of carrying out not only tactically what he wants, but the physicality is equally important.”
The Ipswich Town Match: A Reflection of Bigger Issues
The clash against Ipswich Town highlighted both strengths and weaknesses in United’s squad. An early mix-up between Patrick Dorgu and André Onana led to Ipswich’s opening goal, but United fought back with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Matthijs de Ligt. However, Dorgu’s red card before halftime put them under pressure. Despite the setback, Maguire’s late header sealed the win.
Moving Forward
Ferdinand’s critique suggests that for Amorim’s system to succeed, United may need to reassess their squad composition. Bringing in players with the necessary physicality and tactical awareness could be essential for sustaine
d success under Amorim’s leadership.
