Rio Ferdinand has slammed the attitude and body language of Manchester United’s players following the club’s derby defeat to Manchester City.
United were thrashed 4-1 in a disappointing derby performance at the Etihad on Sunday, with the Red Devils failing to register a single shot at goal during a second half in which the club managed just 21% of the possession.
It was a performance that demonstrated the gulf in class between Ralf Rangnick’s side and their cross-town rivals and a defeat which leaves United in serious danger of missing out on Champions League qualification.
Ferdinand was critical of a dismal Manchester derby display from his former side, questioning the commitment of the players and whether the dressing room has the right personalities to turn around the club’s faltering fortunes.
“I feel from the outside looking in, they all just want to be mates,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe With Five YouTube channel.
“No one wants to put someone’s nose out of joint. It’s like they’re all in an office job in the city. They’re all being nice and they don’t really like each other but they won’t tell each other.
“To win, you’ve got to be pulling people about telling them you’re rubbish, sort yourself out. You don’t have to be that aggressive either… it can be a simple conversation. Please tell me they are (doing that).
“I don’t see a response. Their body language is awful, walking about slumped, like the world’s against them, looking unhappy.
“You’re playing for Man United man, in a derby, do you know how much those fans in that stadium would give to be on that pitch and you’re walking around like ‘I could be doing better things than this on a Sunday.’
“That’s the vibe I’m getting from certain guys. Fred’s an easy cop out, the system didn’t suit him at all.
“We’ve seen too many managers come and go, it’s not about the manager. If you’re not here to play football, take criticism and improve yourselves every day. If you’re not willing to work hard every day, come out of the club.”
