Rio Ferdinand picks out Man Utd star who was ‘non-existent’ during Rangers win as huge concern raised
Rio Ferdinand was less than impressed with a Manchester United player’s performance during their 2-1 Europa League victory against Rangers at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Ruben Amorim’s side made hard work of their win against Rangers. The home side went ahead thanks to an own goal from former United ‘keeper Jack Butland and looked to see the game out.
However, Rangers’ substitute Cyriel Dessers had other ideas when he equalised on 88 minutes to the delight of the travelling fans.
And it looked like it was going to be yet another disappointing night at Old Trafford before Lisandro Martinez picked out Bruno Fernandes, who met his lofted ball with a perfect volleyed finish to secure the Red Devils the win.
The victory saw United to fourth place in the 36-team Europa League group phase, meaning they are likely to qualify automatically for the round of 16.
And despite their progression in the competition, former defender Ferdinand, 46, singled out one United star who he described as “non-existent” during the first half.
Former Rangers player and manager Ally McCoist was alongside Ferdinand on commentary for TNT Sports and explained how he thought Joshua Zirkzee had “done alright” but did admit that “you’d like to see more of a goalscoring threat”.
But Ferdinand was less generous with his assessment of Zirkzee’s showing.
“I thought he was non-existent in the first half, to be honest but I thought he improved in the second half,” said Ferdinand.
“He still wasn’t a real threat on the goal but they got their goal in the end.”
Zirkzee, 23, was replaced by Rasmus Hojlund on 82 minutes.
Of course, since arriving from Bologna for a reported £36m in the summer of 2024, things have not gone as well as the Netherlands international would have liked.
He has scored just four goals in 32 appearances this season and does not seem to be Amorim’s first choice, with the Portuguese boss swapping between Zirkzee and Hojlund this term.
United are back in action on Sunday evening when they will travel to Craven Cottage to face Marco Silva’s Fulham in the Premier League before returning to European action against FCSB (FC Steaua București) in Romania on Thursday 30 January.
