Rio Ferdinand appeared to have lost patience with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag before this afternoon’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa. The Red Devils icon’s one-word reaction to Ten Hag’s team selection at Villa Park spoke volumes following a bold decision in defence.
The Dutchman was expected to make changes after watching his side concede three goals in back-to-back games against Tottenham and Porto.
But supporters were stunned to see Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez both dropping out, making way for Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans.
Maguire’s inclusion came as no surprise after his heroics off the bench in midweek, netting a last-gasp equaliser to salvage a 3-3 draw at the Estadio do Dragao.
However, Ten Hag’s decision to drop Martinez for Evans, who turns 37 in January, raised eyebrows despite the Argentine’s poor start to the season.
Ahead of kick-off, the United boss cited rotation as his reasoning at the end of a hectic schedule before the October international break.
He told Sky Sports: “We have so many games to cover, so we have to bring them all in. You look at the opponent, and then you make a choice. There is always pressure.”
But Ferdinand’s vague reaction suggested he didn’t believe Ten Hag, sparking conversation on X by posting: “Rotation.”
The United boss was heavily criticised for his decision to withdraw Marcus Rashford at half-time in Thursday’s draw with Porto.
Rashford terrorised the left flank in the first half, scoring his fourth goal of the season, but was the attacker brought off after Porto equalised from two goals down.
“We have to rotate. Garnacho, we didn’t start him, but he had a great game not only Sunday but the whole season,” Ten Hag insisted.
“We go quickly with a turnaround to Villa and they have had a day longer to recover and we have an away game.”
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