Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has expressed concerns that several key players may not align with manager Ruben Amorim‘s dynamic and athletic style of play.
Rio Ferdinand: Maguire, Hojlund, Zirkzee & De Ligt don’t fit Amorim’s style
Speaking on TNT Sports after United’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, Ferdinand highlighted Joshua Zirkzee, Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund, and Matthijs de Ligt as individuals who might struggle to fit into Amorim’s system.
The match against Ipswich was a rollercoaster, beginning with a defensive mishap between Patrick Dorgu and goalkeeper Andre Onana, which allowed Jaden Philogene to score an early goal for the visitors.
United quickly responded, equalizing through a well-placed free-kick from Bruno Fernandes that Sam Morsy turned into the net. Shortly after, De Ligt capitalized on a set-piece to give United the lead.
The game took another twist when Dorgu received a red card for a reckless tackle on Omari Hutchinson, reducing United to ten men. Ipswich seized the opportunity, with Philogene netting his second to level the score just before halftime.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, United showcased resilience in the second half, with Maguire heading home a Fernandes corner to secure the win.
Post-match, Ferdinand reflected on the team’s performance and the challenges Amorim faces in implementing his preferred style.
“If we’re being brutally honest, there hasn’t been the progress that we all anticipated,” Ferdinand remarked.
He emphasized that while the team possesses certain qualities, they lack the physicality and mobility that characterized Amorim’s successful Sporting Lisbon side.
Ferdinand specifically pointed out that players like Zirkzee, Maguire, Hojlund, and De Ligt might not possess the necessary dynamism for Amorim’s tactics.
“It’s not their game,” he stated, suggesting that the manager may need to seek players who can execute both the tactical and physical demands of his system.
The victory over Ipswich lifted United to 14th place in the Premier League standings, a modest climb but indicative of the challenges that remain.
Looking ahead, the Red Devils are set to face Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup at Old Trafford on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 16:30 GMT.
As Amorim continues to mold the squad to his vision, the coming matches will be crucial in determining how well the current roster adapts to his dynamic style of play.
