Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United captain Harry Maguire to leave the club immediately, insisting the England centre-back has been 'disrespected' by club manager Erik ten Hag.
Ferdinand is recognised as one of United's legendary defenders, making 455 appearances for the Premier League giants and winning every major club honour during his trophy-laden 12 year stint at Old Trafford.
The outspoken 44-year-old has now told Maguire to look for an exit out of Manchester during the January transfer window, highlighting Luke Shaw's selection at centre-back over the Three Lions star as a justifiable reason for Maguire to demand a move.
Speaking on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel, Ferdinand outlined the actions he would have taken if in the outcast star's boots, saying: ‘Luke Shaw’s playing centre-back instead of him.
‘That’s like me going back after the World Cup, playing well, everyone saying he’s done really well, and Patrice Evra is playing centre-back.
'I’d want to strangle Patrice! I would’ve smashed Patrice in training to make sure he’s not available, and I’d be going to the manager and saying, ‘are you taking the piss out of me, boss?’. I’d have walked straight into the manager’s office and said, ‘you’re disrespecting me’.
‘Harry Maguire’s got to move. I think he stays because of the games and they can’t get someone else in. He plays in the cup games.’
The 29-year-old put club woes behind him to produce a run of impressive performances during England's 2022 World Cup campaign that saw Gareth Southgate's side eliminated at the quarter-final stage.
His post-World Cup return to Manchester was expected to mark the revival of his career after a turbulent start to the season with Raphael Varane and Argentina's Lisandro Martinez preferred by Ten Hag.
However, impressive performances in the Middle East don't appear to have done enough to change the thinking of United's Dutch decision-maker, with the Red Devils playing left-back Shaw in central defence while Maguire instead is left to slump on the bench.
Having arrived at the Theatre of Dreams on a six-year contract for £80million in 2019, Maguire was handed the club captaincy and was viewed by many as the defender needed to change United's defensive fortunes.
Little more than three years into his deal, it appears Maguire's time at the famous club could soon be brought to a premature end.
kuhcmnty
549
The greatest problem facing Man United and English Teams as a whole is there ex players. None can coach.... Neville, Ferdinand etc There only usefulness is to criticize none English coaches and players When was the last time a player from EPL won Bdor? ETH is doing a great job at Man United rather than encourage him ALL the ex players does is criticizing after another. Talking is easier on podcast and TV, radio station than Team bench
mrhenphilas
406
Rio Ferdinand, stop this nonsense! the coach is not there to respect or please anyone but to deliver success to the club and return the club to where it rightfully belong! if Maquire is not good enough for the coach, so be it, stop forcing things and instigate hatred among the players. for this team to achieve success, the players need to come together and help each other on and off the pitch!
Pamaknopsu
211
how many times have Maguire disrespected us as fans. These pundits you just wonder who allows them to talk.