Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has once again sparked controversy with his candid critique of Erik ten Hag’s recent managerial decisions, particularly after Manchester United’s 3-0 win against Southampton.
Despite the convincing nature of the victory, Ferdinand’s frustrations were not with the result but with Ten Hag’s choice to bench a £60 million player—a decision that he believes highlights why the Dutchman might not be the right fit for the Old Trafford hot seat.
Ferdinand’s Concerns
Ferdinand, who has been outspoken about United’s performances and managerial choices since hanging up his boots, didn’t hold back during his post-match analysis. The legendary centre-back expressed his disbelief that such a high-profile and expensive player was left on the bench, despite Manchester United’s commanding win. While it is common knowledge that Garnacho and Maguire have been at the forefront of recent squad rotations, Ferdinand made it clear that the player in question was neither of these two, pointing towards a broader issue with Ten Hag’s squad management.
“I don’t understand how Ten Hag thinks this is acceptable,” Ferdinand said. “We’re talking about a player worth £60 million, someone who was brought in to make a massive impact. Yet, he’s sitting on the bench while other players are being given opportunities. I get that the result was positive, but that’s not the point. Ten Hag doesn’t seem to understand the value of his assets.”
The ex-United captain further lambasted Ten Hag’s decision-making, claiming that leaving such a player out of the starting XI could send the wrong message to both the squad and the fans. Ferdinand argued that these are the types of players who should be shaping United’s performances, especially in crucial games. He implied that, in the long run, Ten Hag’s apparent mismanagement of resources could have detrimental consequences.
The Player in Question
While Ferdinand didn’t explicitly name the £60 million player, his comments have led to widespread speculation. Given that Garnacho and Maguire were both left out of the conversation, fans and pundits have speculated that the player could be recent summer signing, Mason Mount, who was acquired to bolster United’s midfield but has yet to fully establish himself as a first-team regular.
Mount, who joined from Chelsea for a hefty fee, has had a mixed start to life at Old Trafford. While his talent is undeniable, some fans have questioned whether he has been given enough opportunities to find his rhythm under Ten Hag. Benching such a high-profile player, particularly in a game where United were expected to dominate, has raised eyebrows about Ten Hag’s long-term vision and his ability to manage big names in a squad.
Ferdinand’s comments reflect a growing concern among some sections of the fanbase that Mount’s lack of game time could hamper his development and ultimately waste the club’s significant investment.
INEOS’ Involvement
The criticism also extended beyond just Ten Hag’s managerial decisions. Ferdinand voiced his concerns about the club’s hierarchy, particularly the new involvement of INEOS, the chemical company owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who have recently acquired a significant stake in Manchester United. While the ownership group has been praised for their long-term investment in the club, Ferdinand questioned whether they fully understand the gravity of the situation unfolding under Ten Hag.
“INEOS will not see it now, but they need to act early,” Ferdinand urged. “They’ve just come in, and they want to make this long-term project work, but I’m afraid they’re giving Ten Hag too much time. This is Manchester United, not some mid-table club where you have the luxury of waiting for things to click. If they don’t move quickly, they might find themselves in a situation where the damage is already done, and by then, it’ll be too late.”
Ferdinand’s frustrations clearly stem from the belief that the new ownership group should be more proactive in addressing the club’s shortcomings, particularly when it comes to Ten Hag’s management of key players.
Ten Hag’s Response
In response to Ferdinand’s critique, Erik ten Hag defended his decision to bench certain players, arguing that squad rotation is crucial in a long and grueling season. The Dutch manager emphasized that every player has a role to play and that no one is guaranteed a spot in the starting XI.
“I make decisions based on what’s best for the team,” Ten Hag said in his post-match interview. “Every player is important, but we need to manage their minutes and ensure that everyone is in the best possible shape for the entire season. It’s not just about one game—it’s about maintaining consistency and balance throughout.”
While Ten Hag’s comments are understandable, they do little to quell the growing concerns about his ability to handle high-profile players effectively. The Manchester United faithful are known for their high expectations, and while Ten Hag has made some strides, there is a sense that he is still struggling to find the right formula to bring the best out of all his stars.
The Bigger Picture
Rio Ferdinand’s critique highlights a broader issue that Manchester United have faced in recent years—the challenge of finding a manager who can handle the pressures and demands of a club of this stature. Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, United have gone through multiple managers, each failing to bring long-term stability and consistent success.
Ferdinand’s comments suggest that he doesn’t believe Ten Hag is the man to break that cycle. While the Dutchman has shown tactical acumen and an ability to galvanize his squad at times, Ferdinand’s concerns revolve around his handling of key players and his perceived reluctance to give high-profile signings the trust and minutes they need.
With INEOS now firmly in control of the club’s future, the pressure on Ten Hag will only intensify. The new ownership group will be keen to see immediate returns on their investment, both on and off the pitch. If Ferdinand’s warnings are to be taken seriously, INEOS may need to reconsider their long-term backing of the current manager.
Rio Ferdinand’s scathing critique of Erik ten Hag’s decision to bench a £60 million player, despite Manchester United’s 3-0 win against Southampton, reflects a deep concern about the Dutch manager’s ability to handle a club of this size. While the result was positive, Ferdinand’s frustrations lie with the long-term implications of Ten Hag’s squad management. With INEOS now involved in the club’s decision-making, the pressure on Ten Hag to deliver both results and consistent performances from his star players will only increase.
As Manchester United navigate a crucial period in their history, the question remains: does Erik ten Hag have what it takes to steer this club back to its former glory? Or, as Ferdinand fears, is he at risk of squandering the resources at his disposal and leaving the club in a worse position than when he arrived? Only time will tell, but for now, the spotlight is firmly on the Dutchman as he faces one of the most challenging periods of his managerial career.