Rio Ferdinand admitted he was left humbled after Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to 10-man Everton, with the former Red Devils defender saying he had been 'boastful' during Liverpool's poor form
Rio Ferdinand.
Rio Ferdinand admitted he was left humbled after Man United's defeat
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Rio Ferdinand says he has been humbled hours after taking a swipe at Liverpool. The ex-Manchester United defender revelled in the Reds' poor streak, only to be left red-faced when 10-man Everton clinched a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand demanded more scrutiny on Arne Slot and his squad following their loss in six out of their last seven Premier League matches, including a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday. The Dutch manager is under pressure as Liverpool currently sit 12th in the league, trailing 11 points behind leaders Arsenal and three points away from the Champions League spots.
With United's recent surge in form coinciding with Liverpool's downturn, the 47 year old has taken pleasure in seeing United's bitter rivals hit a rough patch after a successful spell under Jurgen Klopp and Slot.
However, Ferdinand was compelled to concede that he was left humbled as the Red Devils fell to defeat against Everton on Monday night. In a video posted to X, he said: "Guys, just back from a run, I had to put myself through it after last night.
"It's a tough game this, a tough game, you think you're on top of the world, flying, got momentum, doing your thing and think, you know what? We can be a bit boasty (sic) I was man, I had my shades on, walking around Milan, I was feeling myself, I was, I have to say.
"But this game can humble you quick. The result yesterday at Old Trafford against 10 men, against a good, solid Everton side, with 10 men and we don't get it done. Absolutely ruined me, I'll be honest, ruined me.
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"WhatsApp groups that were quiet, tumbleweed drifting through it last couple of weeks and now popping off like you've never seen it before with Liverpool fans, found their vocal box, found their voice and they're giving it to me.
"But it's life guys, if you're going to give it, you've got to take it. So I've gone for a run this morning, here we are, we will back. This is what supporting teams is all about, the ups, downs and rollercoasters, just stay on the ride guys."
Ferdinand had grown frustrated with what he perceived as lenient treatment of Slot, contrasting it with the harsh scrutiny faced by Amorim or his predecessor Erik ten Hag during their spells at Old Trafford.
Arne Slot.
Arne Slot is enduring his toughest period as Liverpool head coach.
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The United legend pointed to a Sky Sports discussion featuring Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, where they sat down with Ten Hag to analyse his opening six weeks in charge, the Cristiano Ronaldo saga and Liverpool matters.
He demanded the same level of examination for Slot following Liverpool's woeful streak.
"It's crazy, you look at these stats, since the Paris Saint-Germain loss in March, that's 30 games they've played, 13 wins, 14 defeats, it reads like Amorim when he was struggling," he said on his podcast.
"Win rate of 43%... They [Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville] had Amorim straight away, getting rinsed, under pressure, I want the same energy for Arne Slot right now please.
"It's about parity, balance, treating one like the other. " United are currently ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, sitting in 10th place after their five-match unbeaten streak was broken. This run included a memorable moment when Harry Maguire's late strike dealt a blow to the Reds during their recent Premier League struggles.