In an exclusive interview, Manchester United legend Ferdinand conducted an in-depth analysis of the club's current situation. He questioned the club's hiring of many former Manchester City executives and put forward his own opinions on some of the tactical arrangements and personnel methods of head coach Amorim.
What do you think of Manchester United under Amorim's coaching?
There's not enough going on in the team to make me feel like, "I really believe now (the team is on the right track)." But when you look at the numbers, they all jump out at you in terms of number of passes in the opponent's penalty area, number of shots on goal, expected goals, etc. From this perspective, things look positive.
What "basic conversations" do you think the team needs to have tactically?
Like (to the players), "Listen, we have a 6-foot-5 center (Sheshko). He's extremely athletic. Let's not make it too easy for the opposing defenders. Let's pass the ball to him, let's put the ball near his head 15 times in the half. Let's see if those defenders can guard him now?"
I like the new goalkeeper (Lamens). On his debut, he played direct long balls to Sheshko more often than we've seen before, and one goal came from a header. That focused, pragmatic style of play was one of the things we didn’t see enough of when Amorim was coaching.
You seem to think that some players are not being used in the right positions?
The other thing is "getting players in their right spots." B Fee can play in the deeper position he is asked to play, but can he play as well as he does in a more advanced position? Why not put the Premier League's most efficient player in his best position to create chances? People talk about formations all the time, but these details matter, too. Is Ahmad really a right-winger? Yoro, a right center back in a three-back system, as a 19-year-old rookie, has he really done this?
I heard that Cristiano Ronaldo calls you "reporter" now?
It’s funny because Ronaldo calls me a reporter now (laughs). He messaged me and said: "I can't say too much in the Manchester United chat group now, I'm in it. Reporter Ferdinand!"
Who is your dream interviewee?
Messi. I am communicating with Beckham through all channels. He was such an extraordinary football player, but we didn't know what he really was as a person. Zidane is another. Mysterious person. Oh, I so want to talk to Zidane.
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