Rio Ferdinand issues firm defence of Man Utd pair after Roy Keane criticism – ‘I am not having that’

Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on two Manchester United players for the way they have handled criticism from Roy Keane following the defeat to Man City

Rio Ferdinand has praised both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw for the way they reacted to criticism from Roy Keane. Following a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, former United captain Keane pulled no punches when assessing Shaw’s performance.

He claimed the England centre-back had ‘given up’ during the contest, which led to a goal, and that he had ‘got away with murder’ for years at United. Such criticism from Keane after a loss is nothing new, but Shaw chose to address the comments following the victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford a week later.

The left-back explained that he agreed with the former captain’s feedback and that he ‘did not need Keane to tell him’ when his performances were not up to scratch. Maguire made his 250th appearance for United against City, and after being celebrated prior to the Chelsea win, the defender insisted that Shaw is an ‘excellent player’ as he launched a stern defence of his teammate.

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And speaking exclusively to MEN Sport ahead of fronting Talking Future’s new initiative Half Time Talks, Ferdinand heaped praise on the pair for how they responded to Keane’s comments.

He said: “Personally I think it is great from Harry Maguire because that is the job of a captain/senior player to come in and defend your players if you think that they are being unfairly treated. I also think Luke Shaw coming out and speaking himself is what I like.

“I like to see players come out and go: ‘You know what, I am not having that or actually, they are right. I was under par for the level that I have set myself.’

“I am sure he will put in a performance this week Luke Shaw that will make you think: ‘He is made of the right stuff.’ I just think that Luke Shaw is a magnificently talented player, he has just been so unfortunate with injuries that he has never been able to maintain his fitness and it goes back to that word again, consistency.

“If you can’t be consistent with appearances and being available, it is going to be difficult for you to really stamp your authority and really sustain the level of performances that is required for a top club.”

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