Rio Ferdinand lauds Manchester United star who must ‘play every week’ after Brighton display

Rio Ferdinand has lauded a Manchester United star who should be playing every week following his display against Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

After a strong start to the season with a win over Fulham, Manchester United suffered a surprising defeat to Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

The game was closely contested initially, but Brighton took the lead in the 30th minute when Danny Welbeck scored against Erik ten Hag‘s defence. Although Marcus Rashford quickly equalised, his goal was ruled out for offside.

Read More: Rio Ferdinand explains “surprise” Erik ten Hag decision that cost Manchester United vs Brighton

In the second half, Amad Diallo scored to level the match, but Alejandro Garnacho’s subsequent goal was disallowed for offside, as the ball had grazed Joshua Zirkzee before going in.

As the match was winding down, Joao Pedro found space at the back post and headed in the decisive goal just before the final whistle.

However, while many were focusing on United’s loss, Rio Ferdinand took the time to praise goalscorer Amad, particularly following the passing of his stepmother on Friday.

“I’m really delighted for him. I’m really pleased for him,” the ex-United star told TNT Sports after the game. “He’s had a tough week, obviously, with his step-mother passing.

“But the way that he’s applied himself today, he’s quite congested. Then, one little bit, a nice little ball inside the wide man. And this is a signature Amad move here,” he said while the pundit team watched a video of the 22-year-old cutting in from the right and smashing the ball home.

“If anyone who’s seen or watched him play, been able to jerk the full-back, to go out on the outside, then come back inside. And then a composure then to smash it. And it’s a defender.

“But I think he deserved that. The way he’s played today, he’s playing himself into contention to play every week at the moment.”

Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is released every Thursday at 6 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.