Rio Ferdinand's honest assessment of Ten Hag signing - "Shouldn't be at Man Utd"
Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Manchester United's Jonny Evans - but concedes he shouldn't be anywhere near Erik ten Hag's team.
Ferdinand played alongside Evans for three season's during the latter's first spell at Old Trafford, which lasted just shy of a decade. Three years at West Brom before five at Leicester followed for Evans, but now the Northern Irishman finds himself back at the heart of United's defence.
It has come as a surprise to many, especially as Evans only linked up with Erik ten Hag's side in the summer to keep up his fitness. He quickly signed a short-team deal so that he could participate in United's pre-season activities, before penning a one-year contract.
Due to the number of injuries at the heart of United's defence this term, 36-year-old Evans had made 17 Premier League appearances so far. A further six across the Champions League and FA Cup have put his entire total to 23 outings.
Ferdinand discussed his old central defensive partner on his FIVE podcast and although he was glowing in his assessment of Evans, he criticised the fact that United are calling on an ageing centre-back so much at this stage of the season.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
"I didn’t expect him to come in and play as many games, and I didn’t expect him to do as well as he’s done," Ferdinand claimed. "But he hasn’t put a foot wrong, it’s crazy. He’s good with the ball, he’s probably good with the younger players. He’ll probably go into coaching after.
"He wouldn’t have expected to play as many games but listen, the way he’s going it wouldn’t surprise me if he got a new contract, if not there then definitely somewhere else. But really, as well as he’s done and as much as I admire him as a professional, he really shouldn’t be at Man United.
"It just shows you where they are. He shouldn’t be being asked to come in and play and chase [Erling] Haaland around. That’s not what the top clubs are doing nowadays."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Ferdinand's assessment of Evans' situation fair? Comment below
Jonny Evans played against Erling Haaland's Manchester City carrying an injuryEvans actually had to play Sunday's Manchester derby carrying a knock, which goes some way to explaining why he was brought off at the 69 minute mark.
"We had two players on the pitch which were not 100 per cent [fit]. Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford," Ten Hag told Sky Sports after the 3-1 defeat by Manchester City. "But they gave everything like the whole team and we are disappointed with the score."
For just how long Evans will be out remains unknown, but the fact that United had to deploy an already injured Evans from the start away at the reigning champions just about sums up their season so far.
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
