Rio Ferdinand outlines huge thing Ruben Amorim has changed despite mixed Man Utd results

Manchester United have been inconsistent in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim, but the head coach led them to a dramatic late win against Rangers in Europe on Thursday

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand recognises the results on the pitch haven’t been what they might be – but argues the effort under Ruben Amorim is plain to see.

Amorim has overseen seven defeats in his first 16 matches in charge and after the most recent of those losses, he described the current Manchester United squad as the worst in the club’s history. There was a return to winning ways on Thursday, though, with Bruno Fernandes’ stoppage-time strike making the difference against Rangers in the Europa League.

Ferdinand was on commentary and punditry duty for TNT Sports for the game at Old Trafford as United left things very late. Jack Butland’s own goal was cancelled out two minutes from time by Cyriel Dessers, only for Fernandes to pop up at the death.

“I don’t think it was near a perfect performance, but you are seeing the effort [from United’s players],” Ferdinand said. “I have questioned effort and desire – I am not seeing that now, which is a good thing.”

Amorim rung the changes for the match, including a return to the starting line-up for Alejandro Garnacho. The winger has been linked with a move away, with Napoli and Chelsea linked, but Ferdinand argued his performance makes the case for keeping him at Old Trafford.

“I think they [Man Utd fans] were making their feelings very clear. They love him, they sing about him often,” the 46-year-old said. “One thing he does give you; he puts you on the edge of your seat. He is always direct, but the system is the one thing that goes against him.

“I don’t think you see the best of him in those inside areas. This kid has huge talent and huge ability. I don’t think Garnacho is the one initiating the move.”

What did you make of Manchester United’s performance? Have your say in the comments section

United now have one foot in the Europa League round of 16 and have every chance to go through without the need for a play-off. They travel to Romania to face FCSB in their final league phase game, and a point looks likely to be enough to seal a top-eight finish.

Those top eight finishers will avoid a play-off, giving them a night off on February 13 and February 20. “It’s two weeks free to prepare for the Premier League, so it’s really important to stay in this position,” Amorim told TNT Sport after the latest victory.

Reflecting on the performance, the head coach said: “We are not playing our best, but we regrouped from the last game. I know the opponent is different. It wasn’t as fast. You can see the connections. I think we need to be more clinical in the right moments because that can help us a lot.

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