Rio Ferdinand says two Man United players listened to Wayne Rooney demand vs Everton

Manchester United returned to winning ways at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon as Erik ten Hag’s men defeated Everton 2-0.

Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford saw Manchester United grab all three points at Old Trafford, making up for their losses against Fulham and Manchester City in the last few weeks.

Ahead of kick-off, TNT Sports dedicated a section of their pre-match build-up to speak with former United players Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand about Rashford’s current season.

Read More: Ajax considering Erik ten Hag job offer from Manchester United this summer

When Rooney was asked if he has much sympathy for Rashford’s current struggles to find form, he said: “Not much to be honest. He’s in a privileged position where he is playing for Man United. He is the one player that I believe can get my goal-scoring record. 

“I hope he does, but he needs to hit consistency. He is not having the best of seasons, needs to find some form and become a leader.”

In. reply to this, Ferdinand explained how Rooney’s performances at the club when he was going through poor form were always lifted by his work ethic and body language, but Rooney himself questioned whether Rashford possesses this type of trait.

He said: “I don’t think he’s that type of player, a leader. His body language doesn’t sometimes look the best.

“Players such as (Raphaël) Varane and Bruno (Fernandes) should be getting that out of Marcus.”

However, during half-time, Ferdinand explained that Rashford’s body language was much better against Everton, and with Varane and Fernandes also performing well, Rooney’s demand from the two senior players to set an example for Rashford has worked.

“His body language looks good today,” the former centre-back detailed “Defensively too. He contributed to both goals. He’ll be happy with his half.”