Rio Ferdinand has completely disagreed with criticism about one ‘wonderful’ Manchester United in recent weeks.
Manchester United are now unbeaten in their last four matches, a run that includes victories over Sunderland, Liverpool, and Brighton.
The Reds were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw away at Nottingham Forest last weekend, with Amad and Casemiro finding the net for Ruben Amorim’s men.
Next up is another trip on the road, this time to North London to take on Tottenham Hotspur, who are coming off a derby defeat to Chelsea.
United have looked increasingly dangerous in attack lately, with several players beginning to find their rhythm after slow starts to the campaign.
Amad delivered a moment of brilliance to equalise against Forest and came close to netting a late winner at the City Ground.
After facing criticism for his early-season performances, the Ivorian has looked rejuvenated in recent weeks, impressing in his new role at right wingback.
Ferdinand disagrees with criticism about ‘wonderful’ United star
Despite Amad’s impressive performances recently, Gary Lineker has criticised the decision for United to use him as a wingback in Amorim’s system.
United legend Rio Ferdinand has responded to that idea and disagreed with it, claiming that people like Lineker are focusing too much on what Amad can’t do, rather than what he can.
“I think we get too caught up in what players can’t do. He is giving us so much going forward. His partnership and his telepathy with [Bryan] Mbeumo,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
“For what he’s giving you going forward and what he’s giving the opposition winger, they are having to chase him half the time. That’s what you want, them on the back foot.
“I just think he’s a wonderful footballer.
“Would he be better as a right winger? I think he would be, but that’s not detracting away from what he’s doing. I think he’s just what this team need in this position right now.”
Amad benefits United’s system
Amad lost out to a header inside the United box against Forest but that doesn’t mean a defensive player wouldn’t have done the same.
Diogo Dalot, the other wingback, switched off inside the box for the second Forest goal, and he is a defender by trade.
The Ivorian has the tenacity and energy to be useful defensively but the real reason he is playing in that position is his offensive ability.
We are seeing the benefits of his growing relationship with Mbeumo, like Ferdinand said, and that will only continue developing going forward.
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