Ferdinand: 'Man Utd are immature and boring in defense'

According to former center-back Rio Ferdinand, the immature and unstable defense is the reason why Man Utd drew with Galatasaray and are at risk of being eliminated from the Champions League group stage.

"I want Man Utd to be comfortable and enjoy being pushed to the edge of the box, with four or five players deep and limiting the space between the midfield and the defenders," Ferdinand commented on TNT Sports on November 30. "They can do that, but the problem is they have to be consistent, do it time after time."

According to the English legend, Man Utd have a trio of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony who counterattack well, and should have been more focused and confident when leading the score. "I think sometimes there is a bit of immaturity, maybe boredom creeps in and one person is no longer in position, affecting the defensive frame. Sometimes Man Utd's defense has a lot of gaps," Ferdinand added.

Goalkeeper Onana and Man Utd defenders watch the ball go into the net after Galatasaray reduced the score to 2-3 in a 3-3 draw at Ali Sami Yen Stadium in the fifth round of Group A of the Champions League on November 29. Photo: Reuters — Goalkeeper Onana and Man Utd defenders watch the ball go into the net after Galatasaray reduced the score to 2-3 in a 3-3 draw at Ali Sami Yen Stadium in the fifth round of Group A of the Champions League on November 29. Photo: *Reuters*

At Ali Sami Yen Stadium on the evening of November 29, Man Utd led 2-0 and then 3-1 but still let the home team Galatasaray equalize in the rain in Istanbul. Goalkeeper Andre Onana made the biggest mistake, letting his former Ajax teammate Hakim Ziyech score twice from free kicks.

The draw left Man Utd at the bottom of Group A and no longer having the right to decide their ticket to the round of 16. To continue, Erik ten Hag's team must beat Bayern and hope for a draw in the remaining match between Copenhagen and Galatasaray on December 12.

Ferdinand believes Onana made a big mistake that cost Man Utd the victory, and also believes the club lacks balance between attack and defense. "You can't play the Champions League and score nine goals in three away games and only get one point," he continued. "I think that shows the club lacks balance. Man Utd attack well, create many chances, but the defense just makes mistakes."

Onana was disappointed after the 3-3 draw at Galatasaray's Ali Sami Yen stadium on November 29. Photo: Reuters — Onana was disappointed after the 3-3 draw at Galatasaray's Ali Sami Yen stadium on November 29. Photo: *Reuters*

It is not the first time Man Utd have dropped a win in the Champions League. Against Galatasaray at Old Trafford, they twice took the lead but lost. When they faced Copenhagen in Denmark, the English club even took a two-goal lead but lost.

Ferdinand believes these drops in points are creating mental scars that are difficult to overcome for his former club. "Man Utd have to control the game better, not in one or two or three games, but over a long period of time. The scars at Man Utd are getting bigger because of the times they let the lead slip, especially in the European Cup," commented the 45-year-old former defender.

Hong Duy

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