People expecting too much of Manchester United and Michael Carrick
5/11/202644 min
Rio is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya to break down Manchester United’s frustrating performance against Sunderland and why the reaction from some fans has gone completely over the top.
While Ste labels the display “terrible”, Rio pushes back on the idea that one bad performance should suddenly end the discussion around Michael Carrick’s future - arguing that supporters are being disrespectful both to Sunderland and to the wider rebuilding process at Old Trafford.
The trio also debate what United’s squad should look like moving forward, including which players Ste believes should leave the club, the recruitment strategy INEOS are finally getting right and why goalkeeper Lammens could end up winning the Players’ Player of the Year award.
Rio also gives insight into the mentality needed inside elite dressing rooms after Aurélien Tchouaméni was fined for repeatedly striking team-mate Ernesto Valverde at Real Madrid - explaining why arguments between players are often a positive sign and revealing how former Rangers manager Walter Smith actively encouraged fights during training sessions during his time at Manchester United.
There’s also a heated discussion around Bruno Fernandes winning the Football Writers’ Award over Declan Rice and Erling Haaland, with Rio insisting that football awards should be based on performances rather than sportsmanship or narratives.
Plus Rio explains why Marcus Rashford could still be one of the bargains of the summer transfer window, why David Raya may have just won Arsenal the Premier League title and why he believes Arsenal could now be favourites for the Champions League.
And as always, there’s chaos around VAR decisions, bizarre rule change suggestions and a typically fiery debate between Rio and Ste over what Manchester United fans should actually expect from this current team.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsRio Ferdinand· Host0:00
I don't disagree with that, though. I'm not, I'm not saying that we, we were, we were any better than what you're, you're saying. But the... When, when I see the negativity and the, and the, in terms of, "This is why Carrick shouldn't be manager," it's like a load of [beep]. Like, that, that, that ain't why he shouldn't be manager. Like, it's stupid to say something like that. 'Cause you're gonna get games where you are under the co- Especially away. How many games? And then people have got short memories. They forget even when we used to go away in our teams, who people consider a great team, yeah?
Joel Beya· Host0:24
I don't understand what it is we're doing.
Rio Ferdinand· Host0:25
Yeah, people wanna put it on Michael Carrick, but the, the team that he was forced to select because of the injuries to Sesko, Casemiro. Yes, guys. Welcome to another episode of Rio Presents, brought to you by our trusted partners, Crafted. Joel Beya, Steve Househin in the house. Where are you? What, what, what, what, yes, what are you saying, guys? What's the week- What's good on Rio?
Joel Beya· Host0:47
It's Steve ...
Rio Ferdinand· Host0:48
what the week from the... Guys, we'll be discussing Bruno Fernandes winning the Football Writers' Player of the Year. Lack of performance against Sunderland, some might say. Arsenal's massive win, controversial, at West Ham. I think it's bang out of order what happened, by the way. West Ham could go down on a strength for that, but we'll get to that later.
Joel Beya· Host1:08
Rio, let's move it on. All right?
Rio Ferdinand· Host1:11
Go on.
Joel Beya· Host1:11
Before we talk about Arsenal's mighty win, there's a big interview dropping on the platform this week. Ah, can we talk about it or can we not talk about it? What's, what's the deal?
Rio Ferdinand· Host1:21
Yeah, man. Well, we sat with Casemiro, innit? The man that's leaving. The man, the myth. Like, the hero. The, the guy that the fans have