Rio Ferdinand claims four £232M Man United stars don’t fit Ruben Amorim’s system, raising concerns over the squad’s future under the new manager. ⚽🔥

 

Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand names five players who already don't 'fit' under Ruben Amorim | The Standard

 

Manchester United’s turbulent season under Ruben Amorim has taken another twist as club legend Rio Ferdinand named four high-profile stars he believes do not fit the new manager’s tactical vision.

With United struggling to find consistency, Ferdinand pointed out that several players lack the physicality and mobility required to thrive in Amorim’s intense, high-pressing system.

Since arriving in November, Amorim has struggled to implement his 3-4-2-1 formation, securing only 18 points from 16 league games. Optimism was high when the Portuguese manager replaced Erik ten Hag, but results have not lived up to expectations.

Even after a hard-fought 3-2 comeback win over Ipswich, United find themselves languishing in 14th place—far from where fans had hoped.

Ferdinand, a six-time Premier League winner with United, did not hold back in his post-match analysis, stating that the squad lacks the dynamism Amorim’s style demands.

“Sporting was an athletic, dynamic team,” he said, referencing the high-energy football that brought Amorim success in Portugal.

“This United team isn’t mobile or physically dominant. They have other qualities, but outrunning and overpowering teams isn’t one of them.”

 

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🔴 The £232M Players Who Don’t Fit

Ferdinand highlighted four specific players who he believes are not suited for Amorim’s tactical demands:

Matthijs De Ligt – Signed for £68 million, the Dutch defender has struggled with the pace of the Premier League and doesn’t provide the level of agility needed for Amorim’s aggressive, front-footed style.
Harry Maguire – The £80 million center-back has found himself in and out of the squad, and while his aerial ability remains a strength, his lack of speed and mobility remains a major concern in a high defensive line.
Rasmus Højlund – The young striker, bought for £72 million, has shown glimpses of brilliance but lacks the pressing intensity and quick link-up play needed in Amorim’s fluid attack.
Joshua Zirkzee – Though not officially named by Ferdinand, speculation has grown that the new attacking signing might also struggle in Amorim’s demanding system.

Despite their hefty price tags, these players were not signed by Amorim, raising further questions about whether United’s transfer strategy aligns with their new manager’s vision.

 

Rio Ferdinand brands Ruben Amorim's side 'the worst Man United team' he's seen at 2-0 down to Everton, but pundit performs dramatic U-turn after manager's changes inspire Red Devils to draw |

 

🚨 Can Amorim Turn It Around?

Ferdinand acknowledged that Amorim has had little time to implement his philosophy, with the congested fixture schedule leaving limited opportunities for tactical drills. “Pre-season will be crucial,” he said, emphasizing the need for a proper rebuild.

For now, United remain in three competitions, but their best hope for a return to the Champions League lies in winning the Europa League.

With crucial fixtures against Fulham (FA Cup) and Real Sociedad (Europa League) in the coming days, Amorim’s ability to adapt his system to his current squad—or make bold changes—could determine the trajectory of United’s season.

The question remains: Will Amorim persist with his system, or will United’s summer transfer window see another major squad overhaul? The coming weeks will provide a clearer answer.