Rio Ferdinand praises “excellent” Manchester United star who has forced Ruben Amorim into transfer decision

Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for Manchester United players following their penalty shootout win against Arsenal on the weekend.

Manchester United delivered a brilliant performance in the FA Cup third-round despite going down to 10 men early in the second half.

Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring for the Reds before Gabriel Magalhães struck an equaliser for the Gunners soon after Diogo Dalot was sent off.

Arsenal had the chance to take the lead when Kai Havertz went down under minimal contact inside the box, but Martin Odeegard missed the penalty.

Mikel Arteta’s side were unable to break down the defensive block of United, with Ruben Amorim’s men displaying the resilience and determination that fans have been asking for.

United would then show their quality in the penalty shootout, with all five takers scoring their spot kicks. Altay Bayindir’s second penalty save of the afternoon, this time against Havertz, proved the difference.

Ferdinand praises Collyer impact vs Arsenal

Amorim made what many would have considered to be a risky decision when he replaced Kobbie Mainoo with Toby Collyer late in the second half.

Collyer had not made a first-team appearance since mid-September under Erik ten Hag but he managed to produce a very solid display against the Gunners.

The Academy graduate was deployed in the midfield and helped defensively – he had five clearances, 3 duels won and 1 tackle completed in his cameo.

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for the 20-year-old midfielder when assessing the game on his YouTube channel.

“Toby Collyer was excellent when he came on, the energy levels were huge, through the roof. Testament to him,” the 46-year-old said.

Casemiro could leave United, says Ferdinand

One of the main reasons the substitution was initially questioned is because Casemiro was also on the bench.

The Brazilian did not come on at the Emirates Stadium, with Amorim’s decision to bring on the young legs of Collyer being seen as a clear message of Casemiro’s position in the squad.

There have been rumours about a potential move to the Saudi Pro League for the former Real Madrid player and Ferdinand believes that the 32-year-old will be keen to listen to any offers.

“Is the player happy to be on the bench? I don’t think Casemiro will be happy. At any point in his career he’s never been on the bench,” continued Ferdinand.

“So if he’s on the bench now, if an offer came in, he’d listen to it, but also the club, you can see now they are bringing on Toby Collyer.

“If they get an offer they require, that they want, I don’t think it will be something that will be difficult to happen.

“If he wants to go and play football, who are we to stand in his way at this stage of his career.”

It remains to be seen whether Casemiro will be moved on this month or when the next summer transfer window comes around.

Read More: The transfer fee for Rúben Amorim’s first Manchester United signing is confirmed

The Brazilian has made 105 appearances for United since joining in the summer of 2022. He has scored 15 goals and has nine assists in that time.

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