Why some players are struggling at Man United – Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has claimed that some players at the club are struggling to handle the pressure and responsibility that comes with playing for one of the biggest teams in world football.

His comments follow United’s humiliating 4-1 Premier League defeat to Newcastle on Sunday, a result that has sealed the Red Devils’ worst-ever finish in the competition, regardless of remaining fixtures.

Even if United win all their remaining games and finish with 56 points, they would still fall short of their previous worst tally of 58 points set in the 2021/22 season.

While the Europa League still offers a potential route to silverware, the team faces an uphill task after surrendering a 2-1 lead against Lyon in the dying minutes of last week’s quarter-final first leg. The return leg at Old Trafford on Thursday is now crucial.

Club icon, Roy Keane didn’t hold back, branding the players “physically and mentally weak.” Ferdinand has now joined the conversation, expressing frustration and disappointment over the team’s mentality.

“You find out a lot about players when the pressure is on,” Ferdinand said on his Rio Presents podcast (via Daily Mail). “And the pressure at Manchester United is like no other in the Premier League.

“Some people won’t like to hear that, but it’s the truth. The responsibility is huge when you play for this club. The history is massive — and some of these players don’t seem ready to carry that weight.

“It’s become a burden for them, rather than a privilege. That mindset has to change. They’ve got to embrace the challenge, not shy away from it.”

Ferdinand, who joined United from Leeds in 2002 during Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominant era, admitted the current environment is vastly different from the winning culture he stepped into.

“I feel for them. I came into a winning team with a great mentality. That foundation isn’t there anymore,” he said.

He also shared a moment with Mason Mount’s father, which underscored the scale of the club’s stature: “I said to him, ‘It’s a big club, isn’t it?’ He just looked at me in awe and said, ‘Yeah, wow, it’s massive.’”

Ferdinand emphasized that the gravity of playing for Manchester United is difficult to explain — but it’s something every player must understand and respect.

“It’s hard to describe how heavy the shirt is. But that’s not an excuse — you’ve just got to know what it means.”

He further criticized the team’s current attacking output, pointing out the lack of goals from forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, who have just three Premier League goals combined in 59 appearances.

“If I was in that situation, I wouldn’t even be able to show my face. I’d be too embarrassed,” he added.

“I know the players are working hard. I’ve spoken to people at the club — they are putting in the effort. But right now, it’s just not enough. Something has to change.”