Rio Ferdinand has provided an extensive and candid insight into Manchester United’s current position, the importance of their Europa League final against Tottenham, and what it signifies for both the present squad and the club’s overall identity.
United has experienced a disappointing season. They are currently ranked 16th in the Premier League, marking their worst campaign ever after narrowly avoiding relegation. However, on Wednesday, they have a chance at a continental revival.
Beating Spurs would earn United their third major trophy in three seasons, following their FA Cup victory last year and the Carabao Cup win in 2023, while also securing a spot in next season’s Champions League. Yet, as Ferdinand emphasizes, the implications extend beyond just winning silverware or reviving European competition.
‘It’s important for the culture,’ Ferdinand told Mail Sport. ‘I don’t think it’s the be-all and end-all, it doesn’t determine whether the manager stays in a job or not. It’s more about giving the players something to feed off for next season.’
The TNT expert went on to add: ‘That feeling of winning a cup and what it takes. They’ve all been supremely focused on winning that. It shows you your focus, and if you can do that every game throughout the season, you’ve got a chance to do some good things.’
The former United captain is under no illusions. This team, he says, is still in its early stages of becoming something sustainable. But even if the Europa League isn’t the ultimate goal, it offers a foundational moment for a group of players many fans are still struggling to fully believe in.
‘None of them have won anything with Manchester United really. So to do that would be a good start.’
The club’s decision to shift focus to the Europa League has drawn criticism from some quarters. But Ferdinand believes it’s a pragmatic and logical choice given United’s current reality.
‘Some fans think, you know what, I’d give anything just to have a day out and win. We saw the Palace fans the other day. You see the Newcastle fans. That feeling of winning a one-off game is unmatched,’ he said.
‘We’re not in a position to think, “Oh, if we just move up a couple of places, we’ll be challenging for the league”. It’s a long way from where we are now. So I think it’s been a sensible decision from the club to prioritise the Europa League. It gets you back into the Champions League and lands you a big, hefty bit of money as well that helps with the recruitment period and process.’
Ferdinand’s realism reflects the mood among many connected to the club. The aura of entitlement to compete on all fronts is gone. Replaced, at least temporarily, by the urgent need to lay a new foundation.
‘I don’t think we’re in a position to be able to fight on different fronts.’
Ahead of the final, Ruben Amorim stirred controversy by claiming United would be ‘the worst Premier League team with a European title’ if they won. The comment ruffled feathers, but Ferdinand, to the surprise of many, applauded Amorim’s candour.
‘It’s an honest, transparent comment. The players aren’t stupid. The table doesn’t tell any lies. You are where you are because that’s how bad, or good, you’ve performed. And we’ve been bad this season. Being 16th, 17th in the league… you can’t sit there and say, “Oh, we’re a great team that’s just underperforming here and there”.’
Ferdinand added that Amorim’s honesty might sting, but it’s necessary.
‘Some people have been calling for transparency and honesty for years. Then you get it. It smacks you between the eyes and you go, “Didn’t want that, actually”. He can’t win. But he can’t dress it up any other way. The players would see right through that. They’d think, “You’re lying. You’re chatting rubbish”.’
Amorim also told the media that if United start next season the same way they’ve played this one, ‘someone else should be in his seat.’ Again, Ferdinand doesn’t argue but provides important nuance.
‘I agree with that. That’s fine. I think he’s probably truthful in his assessment,’ Ferdinand said. ‘But I don’t think this one-off game should determine whether he keeps his job or not, given the fact that he hasn’t had a transfer window. He’s brought in one player this isn’t his team in terms of players and profile.’
He called it ‘a wild decision’ to dismiss Amorim before he’s had the chance to build a squad or implement his vision. Ferdinand said: ‘There’s a lot to do recruitment-wise. To imagine they brought in a manager and don’t allow him a window or a pre-season… it would be quite wild.’
Former team-mate Roy Keane caused waves last week with a stinging critique of United’s young trio calling Kobbie Mainoo ‘sloppy’, Alejandro Garnacho ‘immature’, and Rasmus Hojlund ‘not good enough’.
However, Ferdinand defended the youngsters. He said: ‘They’re three young players that need help and they’re not being afforded that. There aren’t senior players in there helping in a good enough state. The team aren’t performing consistently.’
He pointed out how the current United environment contrasts starkly with the one he and others came 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 gone quite unnoticed. These kids aren’t being afforded that grace because of the current situation. In any other team and era of Man United, they would have been probably the last ones to be criticised.’
Ferdinand also offered practical advice to Hojlund, United’s struggling striker who has faced scrutiny over his movement and productivity, ahead of Wednesday’s Europa League final.
‘If I was Hojlund, I’d be going around to Garnacho, to Amad, to Bruno – the creators – and saying, “When you’re in these positions, I will be here. I’m not going to change”. So every time a particular creative player’s on the ball, they know where he’s going to be.’
The lack of connection between the striker and the midfielders, Ferdinand suggests, is as much about communication as chemistry.
‘At the moment he’s making so many runs, and it’s a little bit fragmented. There’s not a real, genuine understanding or connection. That comes with communication and that’s a quick fix.’
Finally, Ferdinand was asked about reports that United will not hold a victory parade even if they lift the trophy on Wednesday. His response was half-joke, half-judgment but ultimately underscored United’s standards.
‘We didn’t do a victory parade when we won a double, the Premier League and Champions League. If they do a victory parade, I’ll be devastated. I’m joking but you know, I get it.’
The notion of a celebration feels off, he said, given the context.
‘United’s standards are very high, and it’s a different era. But I think some of the players will probably be embarrassed as well. Because when you finish 17th in the league, no matter what you win, unless it’s the Champions League, you’re probably going, ‘I don’t know how many people will come out and watch us do the parade.’
Watch the UEFA Europa League Final exclusively live on TNT Sports and discovery+ the home of European football from 6pm. Wednesday, May 21
