Rio Ferdinand was “shocked” that Erik ten Hag left Man Utd midfielder Fred on the bench for their 2-0 loss to Newcastle at the weekend.
The Red Devils have now been pushed outside of the top four after their latest result but fourth-placed Tottenham, who they are level on points with, have played two games more than them.
Ten Hag decided to play a midfield duo of Marcel Sabitzer and Scott McTominay with Bruno Fernandes playing in front of them – but Ferdinand thinks the defeat to Newcastle was a game for Fred.
“I was shocked that Fred didn’t play. Understanding what’s needed and what’s required for this game, Fred has the energy, the legs, the tenacity,” Ferdinand said on Vibe with FIVE.
“When you’re at St. James’ you’ve got to have people who understand that it’s going to be a physical game and be up for it and have that energy.
“You can criticise Fred for anything but energy, sacrifice and applying himself has never been something you can throw at him as a negative. They are the things that come with Fred as part of his game.
“So I was really surprised when he didn’t start the game. But I feel as a whole team no one took the bull by the horns. They weren’t up for it.”
After winning the Carabao Cup earlier this year, Man Utd still have a chance of glory in the Europa League and the FA Cup – but Ferdinand hasn’t been encouraged by recent displays.
Ferdinand added: “It seems like they’ve won the Carabao Cup and downed tools. They think they’ve done enough, that’s what it feels like.
“We were looking in a really good position [to finish in the top four]. Now it’s a lottery because no one’s got any real vein of form at the minute.”
Ten Hag has been very well received by the Man Utd supporters and it will still be a successful season if they manage to finish in the top four with Gary Pallister impressed with the job the Dutchman’s done.
Pallister told AceOdds:”Well, he’s only been in the job, what, seven months? So I think it’s really hard to answer that question at the moment. Obviously, the one that’s left is very high profile in Cristiano [Ronaldo]. I think he handled that situation really well. I think that’s something that Sir Alex did himself.
“It’s hard as a player to know when to leave, and Sir Alex talked about how difficult it was to let players go who had been so important to his sides and who he had a fondness for as well and respected everything they done for the club….
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