- The Man United legend heaped praise on Ruben Amorim’s squad after the win
- Rio Ferdinand believes Amorim has been successful in making a key change
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Rio Ferdinand issued rare praise for Manchester United as he named the one key change that he is now seeing under Ruben Amorim after Thursday’s Europa League victory.
United captain Bruno Fernandes provided the winning touch against Rangers as he struck deep in stoppage time to inflict a 2-1 defeat on the Scottish visitors.
It was another testing performance for the hosts as they again looked susceptible to attacks and struggled to create chances, however Ferdinand was largely impressed with one key attribute.
The former Red Devil has been a scathing, but largely fair, critic during recent seasons as United’s struggles became major problems, but gave credit to Amorim for inspiring a key change.
Amorim has been tasked with sorting through the chaos left by former boss Erik ten Hag and one of his most important and immediate tasks was changing the culture amongst players.
The Portuguese’s no-nonsense approach has required an adjustment period with some players benefitting from his honesty, while others such as Marcus Rashford are looking to cut and run for the exit door.
Ruben Amorim endured a nervous night as his Man United side eventually beat Rangers 2-1 on Thrusday
Rio Ferdinand praised the United head coach for making a key change withing the underperforming squad
Ferdinand insisted he is now seeing the ‘effort’ levels required at Man United from Amorim’s players
However, Ferdinand applauded the United head coach for improving the effort levels within the team after years of players appearing to lack desire during matches.
‘At times they were managing the football and controlling the game,’ Ferdinand told TNT Sports in his analysis of Thursday’s win.
‘I don’t think it was anywhere near a perfect performance but what I would say, not just in the previous game, but you’re seeing effort.
‘I think I’ve questioned many times when I’ve been here at games, live or in the studio or in my front room, I’ve questioned effort, application and desire.
‘I’m not seeing that now and that’s a pleasing thing,’ added the six-time Premier League title winner.
United will be hoping to see an improvement in performances that match their effort when they travel to face Fulham at Craven Cottage in desperate search of victory.
Amorim’s underperforming Red Devils squad currently sits 13th in the Premier League standings just 10 points above the relegation zone and 14 adrift of the top four.
Bruno Fernandes scored deep in stoppage time to rescue victory for the hosts in Thursday’s Europa League clash
Fernandes also received applause from Ferdinand for his recent leadership as United captain
However, he could soon be without rising star Alejandro Garnacho after refusing to rule out the Argentinian youngster being sold to rivals Chelsea in the ongoing transfer window.
Speaking after Thursday’s win, he said: ‘I don’t know what will happen. Let’s focus on the team and the players that we have here.
‘We don’t know what can happen until the window closes. Anything can happen.’
‘I’m focused on the games and he’s here, he’s a player for Manchester United. Was really important for us today and let’s see in the next days,’ added Amorim.
