Rio Ferdinand has taken aim at Patrick Dorgu for the lack of communication that led to Tottenham's goal in the Europa League final as Luke Shaw was beaten to the ball
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21:47, 21 May 2025
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has lamented the club's current state
Rio Ferdinand has stopped short of blaming Luke Shaw for Tottenham's goal in the Europa League final - instead directing his frustration at Patrick Dorgu for his lack of communication.
The north Londoners scored the opening goal at the San Mames with Brennan Johnson the man on the spot. He was able to make a darting run and got a touch to send the ball goal-bound, sneaking in despite Andre Onana's desperate dive in the Manchester United goal.
The cross has rebounded off of Shaw, but Ferdinand insists Dorgu has to be shouting at his defender to let him know that the Tottenham attacker is making a run.
United only signed Dorgu in January with the Dane joining from Leece, who were by no means challenging for honours, and Ferdinand believes the lack of experience may have been telling for the night's opening goal.
Ferdinand told TNT Sports: "Dorgu, at no point in this, does he speak to Luke Shaw. I think you always need that help. Maybe it's an experience thing. He doesn't let him know. By the time he sees the white shirt flash across him, it's too late and the ball ends up in the back of the net.
Brennan Johnson blindsided Luke Shaw to score Tottenham's goal
Brennan Johnson blindsided Luke Shaw to score Tottenham's goal
"I always say the defender the furthest away is your talker and your eyes and ears. He has to signal the other players. He has to shout, scream, push, whatever, and let them know players are running across them, and he didn't do that and they got punished."
Ally McCoist, who was a commentator for TNT Sports, added: "Lovely little run into that right-back position, it opens it up a little bit. Pumped in with pace and Tottenham's top scorer [Brenann Johnson] in all competitions does what he has done all season.
"It is scrappy. It comes off Luke Shaw, does he get a touch? It doesn't matter." Meanwhile, former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson highlighted Andre Onana's role in the goal. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It was a wonderful ball in from the left and the United defence couldn't deal with it. Johnson got there in front of his marker, Onana dived fumbled it with his left, fumbled it with his right and couldn't keep it out."
The importance and value of the Europa League final has been underlined for weeks. Tottenham want to end a trophy drought that dates back to 2008 but the winner will also land themselves a spot in the Champions League and all the riches it offers.
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