“Exceptional” Manchester United star proves Rio Ferdinand wrong after brutal half-time comment

One Manchester United star completely proved Rio Ferdinand wrong after his brutal half-time comment with an “exceptional” display against Ipswich Town.

Manchester United secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town in the Premier League, with Harry Maguire’s towering header sealing all three points for Rúben Amorim on Wednesday evening.

Despite Amorim stressing the need for a strong start, United found themselves behind within minutes as a mix-up between Patrick Dorgu and André Onana gifted Jaden Philogene an easy finish into an empty net.

United quickly responded, with a pinpoint cross from Bruno Fernandes after a free kick forcing Sam Morsy into turning the ball into his own net. Just four minutes later, a frantic passage of play following a United corner ended with Matthijs de Ligt smashing home to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.

The momentum shifted again just before half-time when Dorgu was shown a red card for a high challenge on Omari Hutchinson. Ipswich capitalised immediately, equalising on the stroke of the whistle to send the sides in level at 2-2.

Despite being a man down for the entire second half, United showed resilience and determination. They reclaimed the lead just two minutes after the restart, as Fernandes delivered another inch-perfect corner for Maguire to rise highest and head home.

From there, Amorim’s side displayed grit and character, digging deep to see out the result and secure a vital three points.

What Ferdinand said at half-time

With the game level at 2-2 after 45 minutes had been played, former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand offered his thoughts.

Amorim had chosen to take off Alejandro Garnacho and replace him with Noussair Mazroaui to keep his back five in shape and compensate for Patrick Dorgu’s red card, which the ex-player was surprised by.

Further, Ferdinand questioned why Garnacho had taken an offer over Rasmus Højlund or Joshua Zirkzee, whom he brutally deemed less of a threat than the Argentinian winger.

“I am surprised by that substitution,” Ferdinand explained at half-time. “I thought Garnacho was one of the only players pushing Ipswich back.

“And then, I worry, Zirkzee and Højlund are not going to be able to push Ipswich back enough to be able to stay in the game and to be a threat.”

Zirkee proves Ferdinand completely wrong

Although he didn’t score, Zirkzee proved Ferdinand completely wrong with a brilliant display in the second half.

Read More: Manchester United’s five things noticed vs Ipswich, one Rúben Amorim star is now completely irreplaceable

Despite the side being a man down, the Netherlands international was brave and strong on the ball, defending well while also adding significant potency to United’s attacking line, with fans noting his “exceptional” display.

Ferdinand is right in saying that Garnacho was United’s best threat in the first half, but even then, Zirkzee was still good, as he has been across the last few weeks.

What Zirkzee is still missing is his final product. Sometimes, it feels as if he takes a touch too many or fails to find the pinpoint shot needed to finish off a shot – but as far as Ferdinand’s comment goes, the 23-year-old certainly proved him wrong.

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