I can’t still believe they loaned out quality player like that to keep the likes of Zirkzee and Hojlund…This must be the craziest mistake made in football history”: Manchester United’s legend Rio Ferdinand impressed by Manchester United’s player on loan, urged the club to recall him. WHEN THEY WERE ALLOWING HIM TO LEAVE I COMPLAINED ABOUT IT BUT AS USUAL I WAS OPPOSED.
Manchester United’s transfer decisions have once again sparked controversy, with club legend Rio Ferdinand voicing strong criticism over what he considers a costly misjudgment. The former defender is perplexed by the club’s choice to loan out a proven attacking player while placing their hopes on Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund—both of whom have yet to establish themselves as reliable goal scorers.
United’s struggles in attack this season have been evident. While Højlund has shown moments of brilliance, maintaining consistency has been a challenge. Zirkzee, brought in to bolster the frontline, has also failed to deliver, leaving the team lacking firepower. Meanwhile, the player United sent on loan has been excelling elsewhere, delivering standout performances and proving he could have been a valuable asset at Old Trafford.
Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand did not hold back, branding the decision as one of the worst in football history. He urged the club to reconsider and recall the player, expressing disbelief at the lack of foresight. His frustration has resonated with fans, many of whom have taken to social media to criticize the club’s handling of the situation. Supporters argue that United’s attacking struggles could have been avoided had the loaned-out player been given a proper opportunity.
With pressure mounting, United’s management may be forced to reevaluate their squad decisions before further damage is done to their season. If the club fails to act swiftly, they risk suffering further setbacks while the player they let go continues to thrive elsewhere.
Additionally, Ferdinand has raised concerns over the potential departure of Scott McTominay, who is reportedly close to a £25 million move to Napoli. He questioned the wisdom of letting go of a long-serving player who could still contribute to the squad.
Furthermore, he criticized the club’s dependence on players like Zirkzee and Højlund, suggesting they may not suit manager Ruben Amorim’s tactical system. Ferdinand highlighted how United’s struggles stem from a misalignment between their squad composition and Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation. Players such as Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, according to Ferdinand, also lack the physicality required for the system.
His comments reflect a growing concern over Manchester United’s current trajectory, as questionable transfer decisions continue to impact their performance in the Premier League. With the team currently sitting 14th in the table, the pressure is on for United’s management to rectify their mistakes before the situati
on worsens.