It’s not ART! You HAVE to WIN! | Tactical breakdown of how Rio would fix Man Utd

0:0033 days, 33 episodes, no off switch. From the goals and the glory to the politics and the problems of the World Cup, if you want soccer analysis from a podcast that's been over-analyzing the game for more than 20 years, then this is it. Join me, Max Rushton, and our expert team of soccer journalists every day of the tournament. Can England end 60 years of hurt, or will this be another year of falling just short? Probably. World Cup Daily, listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch full episodes on YouTube. I think this manager doesn't become a little bit more kind of less stubborn and brings a bit of flexibility to the team I think it's going to be difficult for him and difficult for the club to say right this is going to continue

0:45we are back with another episode of Rio Presents and it's brought to you guys by Crafted I'm wearing one I've got mine on here I always wear mine do you know what I mean? So, guys. To be fair. You've got yours, no? No, no. I need to go get it upstairs. Yeah. Oh, see? See? Wait, wait. You know, I wanted to show the tap today, but yeah. No, I'm here with obviously Joe and Steve. Yes. The usual guys are back in town. Come on. I'm delighted we're going to be announcing our first win in the Crafted Competition, guys. Yes. But we'll come on to all that later. I think there's a lot more to go on. The title race.

1:16Yeah. Where are we at? I did say, I said it on socials. I said, I'm going to be calm this season. Right? No more cigars. No more mini trophies. I'm not going to put the pressure on ourselves, but I will say one thing. The mentality is off champions, bro. It is. That's a big win. We have to say that is a big win, right? The way we won it. This is a game I think was a massive, massive, massive shift now in mindset, in belief, answering a lot of the critics that are out there. And I know that would have been hurting some of those players because I don't think a lot of them would have agreed with what's been said.

1:52and to go to Newcastle, which is a notoriously hard place since Eddie Howe's gone there. Sometimes the manner in which you win sometimes is more important than anything. What I would say is before that, people would have been, they draw that game more, they lost that game, they didn't question what's happening with Odegaard. Yeah. Gabriel this, Gabriel that probably. Saliba, why did he start? Did he not start? Yeah, they'd have asked loads of questions. There'd have been loads more questions than answers. But to win like that, all of a sudden, and everyone goes woof, in together, becomes a unit.

2:23And those players who were substitutes, who might've been going, oh my nose is out of joint, what's going on? Blah, blah, blah, blah. And now I came on late and we won late, I'm part of it. I'm now part of it. And that's the feeling that you can't put a price on or you go, I would rather win like that than go and win at Newcastle 3-0. The changing room is the maddest thing. You celebrate after the game and you go with your fans and it's like an unbelievable, there's a connection there. And it's like, okay, you're back on side. There's a belief, right? But you get in the changing room that no one sees.

2:55And there's more high fives in that moment than when you win a trophy sometimes. Because you know you've taken the game from the grasp of defeat almost or even just dropping points. And it's like, now we can start building, guys. Come on. You don't say it, but just because you're sub, you're still in tune. You've got to be in tune because you can still have input because you can still deal with this game. You can still win us the game. Moreno ain't bothered now being sub because he knows that he can come on and impact the game and have a feeling of jubilation that you get even if you start. You've still got Martinelli doing that.

3:26Yeah, Martinelli doing what he's doing. Do you know what I mean? Martinelli could be one of your most impactful players if he doesn't start all the games. It's just that as long as his mindset is right about not starting, but he can still have impact and will still be appreciated. That's the key word. You still get appreciated. The squad players have to be appreciated as lift their starters as well. that's where my teams were great. There was no time that even if he hadn't started for seven or eight games that John O'Shea didn't feel valued in our squad. That Jason Park when he weren't playing for a number of games didn't feel valued.

3:59There was no time they were walking around feeling inferior to anyone. I'm a part of this because I know there's going to be a time when I'm going to be going to the hybrid and dinking over their goalkeeper and putting it in the back of the net and winning the game. There's no doubt that I'm going to go to Anfield and score the winner. Do you know what I mean? Jason Park's going to Arsenal on many teams, many a time, where he's coming out of the dark, the shadows, and then scores a goal. It's like, there's huge value in these players. You don't win nothing with just a starting XI. Hey, can I just pull you up a sec?

4:29Saying, St. James is his hard place to go to. It must be, because Newcastle can't even get a win there. Right? And you lot, talking yourselves up, gassing yourself up. We've just had Hyper FM in the building here, just getting absolutely giddy off the, chain. Arsenal, who have you beat this season? United, and we are absolute gash. You beat Forrest, who've just had to bin the gaffer off, and you beat Newcastle. Yeah, Steve, let's go back to that. Manchester United is always going to be a hard game, and you guys even outplayed us, right? And when you look at Manchester... Do you want to tell Brentford it's a hard game?

5:07When you look at Manchester City, again, it would have been good to win that game, but we didn't lose. you know we came back and you can excuse the celebrations but then the next week Steve we went to St James' Park where we haven't played well at all in the last couple years and we got the win so there's an improvement there already I'm with Joel on this you know yeah they're going to win the league yeah sound nice one I'm not saying that I'm just saying that there's moments in a season that you draw inspiration from I believe that going to St James' listen it ain't teams might have beat Newcastle there but it's not an easy place to go man especially when the big boys come to town.

5:45I watched Paris Saint-Germain get slapped up at St. James'. Oh, man. But also, when you look at the importance, Rio, because Palace beat Liverpool. See, the issue with us, Steve, my problem in the past is you'll get opportunities to take advantage and we haven't done so in the past, especially not last season. But the fact that we were able to do it this year, Rio, what does that mean? How many times I was in a changing room and we were the second team player and who were rivaling for top of the table or something. So Liverpool is Arsenal's team they've got to look at all the time. Where are they?

6:18What are they doing? Liverpool get beat. Now it's your turn. The spotlight turns onto you. That brings a different pressure. Can your team handle it? Can your players go out there and go, right, Liverpool have dropped points. Because in the changing, everyone will be giddy and going, oh my God, Liverpool have got beat. Right, right, calm down. And the manager comes in. Right, settle down. Listen, guys, we've got a job to do. You know what we're asking you, tactically, but this is now, this is the moment. You do not let this moment pass without taking it. And that's what Arsenal done. So this game means so much to this team because there was so much riding on it.

6:52There was so many different areas where you go and they've got to capitalize it. Because if you don't, it's going to be another one of those seasons where they're just behind. Steve, who is the strongest team in the Premier League at the moment then? Because clearly you don't think it's Arsenal. There's only one undefeated team.

7:12You're a magic eye. But they're third, though. They're still behind us, though, Steve. If we look at the table. Yeah, but they've not spent a billion on idiots, have they? No, they're a team that gets rinsed. But meanwhile, they just keep plodding along. That's the strongest team. That's the team that everyone's got to look at. Not you lot. Who have you beat? That's hating, Steve. They've beat the champions, mate. I do think, yeah, I do think Steve's... Liverpool, I think, are the team to watch. Nice, Steve. Yeah. No, they are. Liverpool are the team. Liverpool are the champions. Liverpool got the most experience.

7:47You've got to watch them. They're the team that everyone's got to chase. Even though he's being negative, he does have a point about Palestine, man. They've been... Palace ain't winning the league. You said it right. Palace ain't a threat. Man United can't win it, right? That's obvious. If I could ask for someone to win it right now based on what the league looks like, I'm saying I'd love Palace to win it. I'd be at Celeste every week. I'd fly in from Dubai every week and just support them because I don't want news to win it and I don't want Liverpool to win it you have to say and by the way I swear to God Joel if you come second to Palace this season I'm going to die of watching honestly if Palace win the league and Arsenal come second I am flipping the table the lot is going up but we have to go back to that game right so on the weekend Canate he was criticised a little bit because obviously there were some mistakes and I've been a massive fan of Canate as you know and sometimes you tell me to calm down and stuff like that.

8:40But he has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and it looks like he's not going to re-sign his contract. I want to know your thoughts on Canati and where he is right now. Well, firstly, he's a top player. And the rumours about Real Madrid seem to be circling. It keeps going on for quite a while now. So, obviously, there's an interest or this conversation's been had, right? And Real Madrid's tact at the moment, in recent years, is to get fine players, top players, who they can get on a free, right? And that obviously unsettles those players, unsettles those clubs. But the conversation that Canate and his agents would have had to have is, right, Real Madrid are interested.

9:20Do you want to go? Yes. Are you willing to wait another year on a free transfer? And with that comes a lot of pressure and scrutiny because the stories will start coming out that you're waiting to go to another club like Real Madrid and you're just going to sit there on your contract to go on a free. Can you still deliver performances under that type of pressure and scrutiny? Canate has to sit there and go on his broad shoulders, yes, I can. Let's go, let's go. I'm going to do it, not a problem. We're now in that. And we're now going to get an answer as to can he be the guy that can actually get through a season unscathed or is he going to start getting chipped away at and is it going to affect his personal performance?

10:02We're now going to see. Because there's no way that Canate has a bad performance last season and he's getting headline treatment, it's only because of the interest of Real Madrid. And there's going to be disgruntled fans and people in the media that support Liverpool who are going to now start pointing the finger and blaming him or whenever there's a little mistake here. And if there's blame to be put between two people, he'll probably get it now because of that situation. So are you equipped to take that pressure on your shoulders and still perform? That's the question we're going to get an answer to.

10:32What's this crack when you've been sort of the spotlight of a move like that. Is it distracting? How's that work? It was an unwanted pressure. I didn't want it. I don't think I'd be one of those who could sit and just play knowing I was sitting it out and it was just murmuring in the background and it just kept rearing its head. It would be, that would affect me, I think. I'd either want to come out and say, guys, I've had a great time here. I've won loads of trophies, but I'm going to go to Real Madrid at the end of the season. I'm going to give you everything. Fully committed, but I just need to be up front with you guys I'm going to go with Real Madrid.

11:05They've got an agreed deal there. Let's go. When he can say that, I think you should say it as soon as possible. The same what I said about Trent. Speak early. Shut people up. Rio, you know, in the last couple of weeks, Mikel's been criticised because the handbrake has been on. Why is he not going for the win? Why is he not going for it? The way we set up, we have to say, man, playing Eze in the number 10 role. You know, like, do you reckon we were going too hard on him as the media or do you reckon he's listened to what was going on and he said, you know what, maybe I need to switch it and adapt?

11:40I think that's the question I would love to see Arteta asked. I think like, why didn't you not, like normally when you sign a player, like Virts has gone straight into Liverpool team. Normally when you sign a player, they go straight in for big money. Why was Eze not playing? Is it, was he not sharp enough in training or was it that tactically you wanted to make sure you got him up to speed or was you just a little bit hesitant and being a bit conservative? Like what, and then we know where we are. Eze, when he gets the ball, he just always looks like he wants to hurt you a little. He wants to go forward and drive with the ball or play a pass and run.

12:12The speed of the game quickens up when it gets around him. He can slow it down and then go bang. That's what I like about him. I think that's a difference that I see with the Arsenal team when he's in it now. I think he's a huge bonus and a definite new weapon that you have to utilize him on a regular basis. They're going to work out the best ways to utilize him as the season goes on, as they get to the Nenmore. This season, to be fair to Arteta, he's actually changed two or three things. He hasn't just slotted in Jokeres and gone, okay, everything stays the same except to new number nine. He's changed the shape in midfield.

12:45Yeah, you brought the likes of Eze in, who's a different thing altogether to what you had previously. You've got the depth coming off the bench a little bit. So I've not actually worked out entirely what plan A is with you guys. what's the primary function of when you get into the final third or anything like that. I've not actually figured you out yet because you've been shit, I'll be honest with you. You've fought against teams that you've struggled against and you've had real scrappy games where you've had to kind of go for it in the last 10 minutes. And you can't recognize a team's shape in those instances.

13:19Teams aren't playing plan A in the last 10 when they're trying to get a result, are they? So it's hard to try and work you out at the moment. What is the instruction? I can't tell what your instruction is at the moment because you've been chasing games. And to be fair, you've actually gone and pushed and got results. But it's hard to identify and analyse exactly what you're trying to do. I still stand by the fact that the way you were playing with Havertz was fundamental to the way you guys were playing. And I don't think you've been quite as dominant this season by changing that. But that could just be teeming problems.

13:50Why do you keep saying that we've been rubbish, bro? We've had some decent results. So if you're looking at Leeds, you're looking at Nottingham Forest, even the way we played against Newcastle and second half against City, like what's all of this about? Results aren't performances. You got a good result against United, but it was crap. Because even though you were dominant with the ball against City, you were crap. For a half? Because you had no penetration whatsoever. You had nothing in the final third. I think that's the difference. I think you guys have liked, you're not playing with the fluidity that we've seen Arsenal play over the years.

14:23Do you watch Arsenal right now and go, we're playing some sick football? Some games, yeah. There's more than some games. Yes. You're not. Come on. Not like you were with last season. I don't understand. No, last season we were being criticized for being set piece FC. So all of a sudden people have forgotten about it. We're doing the same thing we did last year. No, the fluidity ain't there. I mean, Saka came on against, was it City? Yeah. You started to look something a bit like what we'd seen before. The ball getting into him, a bit more movement, et cetera. You know the mad thing for me? Results with performance.

14:51You know the thing for me about Arsenal, which I keep looking at and thinking, right, this is mad. What's Skelly done? What's Lewis Skelly done? I don't know. Why does he do that? He come on at 80-something minutes. I don't know. Listen, the replacements of an Italian international is a good player, don't get me wrong. I like him. Yeah. But sometimes you've got to do something wrong to come out of the team, surely. Or is it just like he's played a lot of football, a young kid, we're going to give him a breather. I don't get it, though. I'd love to know what's happened. I don't get it. I spoke to some guy yesterday, I say some guy, a friend of mine called Fola.

15:23and he was saying he reckons Califuri is a more complete player. No way. I'm like, is he alright? Luis Cieli is better on the ball in midfield. Yes. And I didn't see him get beaten defensively really. I mean, he got a few situations, red cards, etc. But, mate, I see him playing big games and looking so unfazed. It was a joke. I can't believe he's not in the team. It's true. Do you think it's because Califuri is better in the air and they are Stoke FC? Yeah. I reckon because because defensively and attacking-wise, bigger stat chart, a bigger threat in their box and better defensively in the air.

15:59Because Skelly's good. Skelly, I think his passing's good. I like how he dribbles with it. But actually, he ain't a defender. No, he's not. He's originally a midfielder. So, yeah. Whereas Calafiori is a defender and he's a unit and he's great in the air. Like, is it that? But I think if you watched Skelly, right, and you never knew his background, right, never knew his age or anything like that, I don't think you're sitting there from a performance we saw last year and going, he's not a defender. I think you're going, he can bloody defend, but he looks unbelievable in the ball and controlled when he's in possession as well.

16:39And he can go into midfield. Wow. Yeah. Anyway, look, Volta Mardy versus Gabriel. Rio, you've been screaming. There isn't no old-fashioned defender-striker battles out there. But we saw one, right? That looked good. Yeah, I like the slap Gabriel gave him. Yeah. But I liked equally the response that he wasn't having it. I love that. Like the back and forth. I like that. I thought he should have gone on more. There should have been a bit more. But I think he's a striker. Even his interview after, very German. He's not having it. He won't accept no rubbish. He's going to say what he sees. and if he thinks this wrong, he's not having it and he'll show you in the way he plays.

17:18And I just thought that there was a bolshiness about him. He's 6 '6", man. So you expect him to be able to handle himself. And I think he made it uncomfortable at times for your centre-backs. And I think that's a different kind of prospect now that they've got a different reference points that Newcastle have now got. They've got to play into it. That's gone back to more the Shearer, the Andy Carroll, Amiobi stature and being able to play a ball into him where Issaac's a bit more fluid and could move and do things and create something out of nothing. So I'm interested to see how he does, because I think it was a big surprise in Germany.

17:51I was with Bastian Schweinsteiger in South Korea, and I was asking him about him, and he said, listen, there's no way a German team would have paid that money. Wow. No way. I'd go as far maybe to say he might not even be worth that right now. You're obviously buying potential. But when you're desperate as a club, the selling club can hike the price, and the Premier League have a different rate to what a German team would have if Bayern were interested. I think if Bayern were going to buy him, it would have been around 30-odd million, not what we ended up being. But he said he has obviously got a talent there.

18:23He showed him. Did you see him in the 21st tournament in the summer? No, I didn't see him. He scored some goals, assists a lot. He was brilliant. But he's got a talent, this kid. I'm interested to see how he develops and what he becomes. I agree on the... It was nice to have a bit of a throwback, centre-forward, centre-half battle. I hate that tackling's almost illegal nowadays. Contact is contact. Contact isn't a foul. And I think people forget that. You see people looking at, well, there was contact. Oh, cool, but it's a contact sport. Contact doesn't equal foul. And I like how, yeah, he's a big old bruiser, man.

19:00And again, he offers them something entirely different to what Isak gave them. And probably it's going to take a little bit of time for them to figure out how to play to his attributes. He will do all right, I think. I don't think he's on Izak's level, but I think he'll do all right for them. Yeah, I agree. Before we go on to Manchester United's latest defeat, last episode, we spoke about our new partners, Crafting. You're blinging right there, Rio. You are blinging. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Of course, of course, of course. But you know what? Listen, we've got them on board. They're here for a season and I think we'll be talking about their products and what they produce.

19:39And they're going to help us out with a little bit of fashion stuff and how you put it together here and there. I think one of the big things is when we were talking to them is about they were so kind of adamant about rewarding viewers and listeners. And I think that just speaks to us. We're massively into the community and obviously the comments, but also building that community and talking to you guys, listening and reacting to you. So all of you subscribers and listeners and viewers, you're going to be involved in some of the competitions and loads and loads of giveaways. With that being said, I'm delighted to announce that Tom Kavanagh has won the first prize from Crafted.

20:15How about Tom? Our new partners. So well done, Tom. Someone from the team will be in touch. So make sure you just stay there. They'll arrange everything for you guys and make sure we'll see you at the recording at some point soon. Did he win a thousand pounds Crafted voucher? Well, I'll tell you what he won. He won a trip to London with an overnight stay. Wow. All traveling expenses paid for. backstage access to watch a Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast live here in London with us. Get in there. And a thousand pounds crafted voucher. Wow. Nice. You can get a lot for that on there as well, you know.

20:48Right, man, we've got loads still to come on this pod, but we'll be back shortly after this. 33 days, 33 episodes, no off switch. From the goals and the glory to the politics and the problems of the World Cup, if you want soccer analysis from a podcast that's been overanalyzing the game for more than 20 years, then this is it. Join me, Max Rushton, and our expert team of soccer journalists every day of the tournament. Can England end 60 years of hurt or will this be another year of falling just short? Probably. World Cup Daily, listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch full episodes on YouTube.

21:21Here's a tip for you. There's a podcast out there with fans waiting to be your next customer. They tune in every week, they trust the host, and that host wants to talk about brands like yours in their own words to their audience. The problem is you just haven't been introduced yet. We're Acast, where that introduction happens. As the world's largest podcast marketplace, we let you browse shows, see who's listening, and book host-read sponsorships or run your own ads all from one platform. Transparent pricing, real-time data, complete control. Start advertising on podcasts by visiting acast.com slash advertise.

22:05Anyway, guys, listen, let's move on to Manchester United. Absolutely getting slapped up. What was that? I'm just going through a tunnel. What did you say, bro? I'm just going through a tunnel. Oh, okay. Cool, I'm sure. Mate, what is going on? You know, forget your win against Chelsea. I thought you were going to do back-to-back, Trio. Don't go on your phone now. Don't go on your phone. I've got to speak to a few people. Really? Do you want to start? Where do you start? Yeah. Where do you start, man? Jesus. I mean, thinking about this since the result came in and I was like, the pod's coming on Monday, where do we go?

22:41And I was like, you know what, I'm going to go with a manager about being stubborn and about saying I am what I am and I play a certain way, right? But what I will say, you've got to start seeing at some point some indicators that suggest that actually, yeah, we're still rolling with the punches, but I'm seeing really strong indicators that are suggesting that we're going to turn a corner and we're going to start turning this around and build momentum. We haven't won a back-to-back game since January. The signals aren't consistent enough for me to go, I'm really with this and it's bringing me more from hope to real belief.

23:21And the defining factor and point is, none of what is being showed through data, which is there's an improvement from last season is now rolling into points. That's the killer. It's not rolling into wins. And like it or not, this game is about winning. Yes, you need to see improvement, but you have to win as well to build confidence and to get the team moving. So the manager's looking to build confidence in the team. So at some point you've got to go, you know what, I've got my principles and the way I want to play, but I have to become a little bit adaptable and flexible within that. not wholesale changes to the structure in the team, but a couple of little tweaks here and there to enable my team to move on and get a bit more comfortable.

24:04I think the players, I don't know if enough of them or any of them play through instinct with and without the ball now. Bruno's probably the only one with the ball who plays with him and Kunja and Ahmad, them three probably, with instinct. The way they're set up as a team, I think, especially in key situations, they're probably playing off, I hope I'm doing what the manager wants here. Because it's a formation and way of playing that none of them are really accustomed to playing. I think there's only probably Kunja, Dorghu, the goalkeeper, and Sesko, who are probably playing in positions that they're used to playing all the time and in a way that they play.

24:50all the others I think are having to adapt and have to learn a new way of playing and that can't be that can't be totally right and I think you've got to sometimes look at the players that you've got and go I need to play and again I was the beginning of the season are Bruno's going to play in a deeper role and I was like he can do it but at the same time are you going to get the best Bruno do you know what I mean and then are you going to get the best Bruno that's going to get then the best out of the Sescos, the Kunyas, the Mboumas because he's a bit deeper. That's like saying I'm going to play Haaland right wing.

25:25Would City play Haaland right wing? No. Would Arsenal play Declan Rice right back? Your best players, would they play Saka left back? Because you can play there. Would they play left back, Arsenal? No. Would they play Salah centre forward, Liverpool? No. So I'm saying you find the best player in your team, the best position to play, I think. And I'm for giving the manager time, and that's why I was like, I'm not going to jump on his back. He might have seen something different. He's going to create something different with Bruno a bit deeper. I can see why he's doing it. I don't fully understand it, but let's give him a bit of time.

26:03And I'm sorry, you've got your best players. I played with great players, Ronaldo. Ronaldo's not playing centre midfield. He ain't. Rooney's not playing right back. He could play there. He might be our best player at right back. He can't play there though. He's best position at centre forward. So are you saying that basically the system's wrong? No, I'm not saying the system's wrong. I'm saying... Because you mentioned flexibility. What does that actually mean in your eyes? Because to me, it sounds like you're saying, bro, they can't play in that formation. Yeah, I am. I think we've tried hard enough to find a way to...

26:39It suits the players and you're seeing it. and I don't think that these players are playing off instinct enough. Football's an instinctive game. The moment you take that completely out of the players, especially without the ball, you're at a loss, I think. And I think that's where United are at the moment. I think this manager doesn't become a little bit more kind of less stubborn and brings a bit of flexibility to the team. I think it's going to be difficult for him and difficult for the club to say, right, this is going to continue. You can have the philosophy you want, right? and you can want to play football a certain way.

27:13And the biggest person that's done that was Pep Guardiola. And his first season in England, what did he say? Man, his second balls have done my head in. Yeah. And he had to adapt and he had to learn. And that's not turning your back on how you see football being played. That's adapting to the specific circumstances you find yourself. You might want to play a big target man and have runners off him. If you ain't got a big target, man, you can't just be like, well, we'll just lose every game until I get a big target, man. You have to find a way to win. This isn't art. You're not employed for the most beautiful expression that you can create of football.

27:53You're employed to win. Now, how you go about that winning is how your philosophy is. But the winning is the important part. You're not coaching leader eights. You're not developing 16-year-olds. You're required to win. At elite sport, you are required to win. And if you don't, you find yourself out the door. And I think the writing is on the wall for him now. I don't think it's a case of if. I think it's a case of how much longer does he get. And I'd be surprised if it's another month, to be honest with you, the way it's gone. Steve, why now are you saying that the writing's on the wall after the Brentford game?

28:25Why is it the Brentford game that's brought you to this point? Because I'm seeing the same mistakes. I think having all week to focus on the game at the weekend, I expected there to be progression. I expected to be able to come in Every single week and see something new That we're doing I expect us to be able to identify An issue that we saw in July And by August and September Move towards fixing that issue I'm not expecting us to play Perfect expression of football I didn't think going into this season We had a single midfielder Which fit the profile that that system requires Naturally So someone was adapting either way so I thought that was going to make it a little bit clunky I thought we upgraded the forward line and that would yield goals I do think they look better the goals aren't really coming from it yet but then you look at the way we're defending and that transition in midfield if that's Ruben Amarim's ideal and I can only presume it is because he's refusing to change it because if he was demanding the players change it or if he was saying what they're doing on the pitch is not what I want, then he would act by either dropping them or something.

29:39Like we would see evidence that that wasn't what he wanted. So the fact that we don't see any evidence of any attempt at changing it or dropping players to find someone who will do what he wants, I can only presume the way we get transitioned on is he's all right with it. And that's not what he's looking for. He's looking for other stuff. He's trying to fix other stuff, I can presume. but for me it's the worst aspect of us and then it's not just that there's other things like there's you can probably go through every single goal we've conceded this season and say it's individual errors but we signed a new goalkeeper but the one that we continue to play is shite we haven't had a clean sheet all season we've signed a goalkeeper who's got the most saves on earth last season and he's in the 99.9th percentile for crosses Manchester United at the moment Are conceding 60 % of the shots That go against us And we couldn't handle a cross If it was going to save our life Meanwhile you've got the guy That can do the most saves And handle crosses Just chilling on the bench Just hanging out on the bench Meanwhile you've got I only got told this From someone at the ground Because none of the TV replays Shown this When United lost the ball Bayern Deer was drinking a drink And panicked and threw his drink away I'll ask you this Rio Because I know you got one of your lads Is a goalkeeper And I wonder what your thoughts on this If you're going to play a high line And Harry Maguire He needs a pasting for being 10 yard off the line For starters and flapping Because that caused a massive issue for us And so does the manager Because I identified this on Friday That you can't play against Thiago and Xarda With three of the slowest players In the Manchester United squad Lenny Noura was the first name on that team sheet this week just to deal with that.

31:28I agree. Go on. So, for starters, the manager didn't learn or didn't do his fucking homework on Brentford prior to that game. So, that's why, for me, I think the writing's on the wall. That's one reason. The second reason, you continue selecting Bayern dear. Now, the finish was immaculate. It's a postage stamp. It's in the corner. It's a sensational finish. But if you're playing a high line, at what level of goalkeeping do they tell your goalkeeper to stay in the six yard box if you're playing a high line do you not expect your keeper to be pushing to the edge of the box to close that down yeah the first thing I'm doing if I'm playing high the conversation in the change room before we go anywhere is listen when we've got the ball and I'm on the halfway line get out of your box stay out of your box my lad's a keeper and I'm panicking sometimes how high he is when he plays so I'm thinking Jesus if they get their head up and lob it it's in the goal but this is how they're playing now on the front foot.

32:27But, listen, I've not seen the keeper being out there. But when I look at it, because we can all talk about what's wrong. What's the solution then? What's the solution? But my question to you is, how would you like the team to be set up then? Because you're both saying, you know, what all these issues and what you see wrong. How would you set up the team? I would go back and the manager says this, oh yeah, but in the game, we're not just strictly a free, for free team. We roll around into different formations. I don't know, the psychology of the players will be different, I think, and it seems like that to me.

32:59If they played 4-2, 3-1, I think you've got all the players playing in positions that they're super comfortable in. You've got two centre midfielders out of three, probably, in Casemiro, Ugarte, and Kobi Meynu to play in there, right? And then you've got three across the front. Anyone from Ahmad, Mbumo, Kunia, Mason Mount, even Meynu, all of them and Bruno can all play in their positions anywhere, across that front line and they're all happy as Larry anywhere and Cesc are up front but you've got Bruno who actually can be in the 10 row where he has produced astronomical numbers consistently since he's been at the football club I don't think it's rocket science I just think everyone's probably looking at it and thinking the same thing Rio I fix this by Friday I'll get down there for I'll get down there for half 11 right the Mundial's are in the car I'll be there for half 11 I'll sort this by Friday Right Three things Yeah You ready We start here Right It's not a formation change You can keep the The 3-4-3 But we gotta change The implementation of it We go 3-2 2-3 Okay You can continue to have Dogu raiding Up and down that Left hand touch line That kid is an Absolute Animal He is a duel Winning monster He just gets about Joey had more duels Than passes at weekend.

34:25Right? Not great, admittedly, but I love the mentality on him. Right? So I'm keeping him in the team. That's sound. You can have your back free. It needs to be Jorre on the right. It has to be Delict in the middle and it has to be once he's fit, Martinez, but I'll take Aiden Heaven for now because we need pace in that back line. You cannot play a high defensive line if you've got slow defenders. So Harry Maguire, you're going to have to come and play 15 minutes at the end because clearly Ruben's going to make a sub for the last 20 minutes for a centre-half anyway, but by then, I've won the game for us, so don't worry about it.

34:57You can come on and see the game out for us. Or, if we need you to go up front and go and get us a goal, you can do that, but you're going to come on, Harry Maguire, super sub, trademark it, right? The midfield is where it changes. He's going to persist with playing Bruno, so how do we make it work? You're playing with Ugarte, and you invert Masraoui as your right wing-back, because Masraoui offers you nothing in that final third. So when we get in possession Masraoui comes in And he occupies the six Alongside Ugarte And that's our rest defence Masraoui Ugarte And the back three Then if we get transition done You've got five players there That can capably defend And that leaves us with Bruno Kunia Mbumo Sesko And Dogu To do the attacking It's not a change It's a tweak And that little tweak Just makes us harder to play against This United team needs to be harder to play so the first thing is we tweak it 3-2-2-3 the second thing is you get Bruno a little bit higher up the pitch where he's actually effective I don't need Bruno doing like a BTEC Kante role making tackles and interceptions and blocks what is the point of that?

36:07you were saying it before you wouldn't have Wayne Rooney doing all that just because he can get him effective Bruno's the highest chance creator in the Premier League why are we playing him deeper? get him where he's effective and going to actually win games for us, further up the pitch. And then the third thing we do, let's put a goalkeeper in there. I know that's a bold decision, but let's put a goalkeeper in there. You've signed Le Mans, let's play him. Three things, Friday, sorted. I'll get us three points at Old Trafford and we'll walk off into the sunset. I like it. See, I feel invigorated by that there.

36:39I'd go with that. I'd go with that. But I think if I'm another manager and I'm hearing Man United's manager go, we are not changing a thing. we are who we are now we're going to continue doing that that makes my preparation so much easier because I know it's not going to change I know what I'm going into I know exactly I might not know the personnel perfectly but I've got a good idea and yeah I'm not really being questioned a lot in terms of like should I do this should I do that right I'm sitting out and we're going to do that and he ain't going to change from it makes it easier like there's got to be a bit of a element of surprise unless you're Man City or the last six seven years or Liverpool the last couple of years where they've got a right to go, we are who we are because we beat everyone.

37:22We're hoping to get results against Brentford and teams like that. You can't sit there with your chest out talking ignorant like that. I do feel your pain. By the way, you mentioned Wayne Rooney there. The interview on the channel, bro, I thought Michael Owen went viral. Yeah, it was mad. Wayne Rooney has just gone absolutely everywhere. Yeah, because Rooney's got a bit of personality and he's a genuine superstar. Mate, I'm watching anything Wayne Rooney's in. So, yeah, loved it. I think he's the greatest English player this country has ever produced. Is he? Yeah. Well, better than me. No, he's top.

37:57Oh, Rio, did you find out if that stat that I sent you was real? What one was it? That you and Vinic have never lost a game that you've started to get in the whole traffic. I've got to find it. I've got a stat guy I'll have to send it to. I'll get it back to you. You've got to make sure you use those stats because I saw you on HMRC, Rio, last week. Oh, yeah, what was it? What was it he said? There's something about a thumbnail. I think you tweeted Yeah you know what I've got to say Yeah it was It was such a It was light It was such a light Like it was It was almost desperate I need better than that You've got to come You've got to come With better receipts than that Corral Yeah Come on now mate You know what I mean I've supported you Since the beginning bro Like don't come for me So early like that It's a bit light And you went for Steve as well Yeah Because Steve said What did you say That someone would be Ballon d 'Or Who was it Robbie Keane Yeah I fucking stand by it Do you want me to say it again Do it mate This is a shit generation For strikers and people was all like Robbie Keane yeah Robbie Keane was a player by the way he was a player but he went over the top with Ballon d 'Or I'll be honest with you and I didn't hear you so I was like oh yeah yeah because of the connection but that I love Robbie Keane but Ballon d 'Or is a bit too far I reckon Scott McTominay has just been nominated for a Ballon d 'Or don't tell me Robbie Keane is a worse footballer than Scott McTominay because he's not we spoke about winning it there's a difference right like winning it is different nah sorry I think you're off with that one can I just before we go can I just say can I just say how entertaining is the Ryder Cup guys you might not have watched it see did you watch it I was at NFL no I'm not watching golf reel being yourself nah I don't listen I'm not like someone I've got a tune in that there's a big tournament going on over there whatever but the Ryder Cup that gets me man I become I've got to go out and order I'll go online and order some golf gear never use it or I'll get a glove like I'm going to go down a driving range I might go and hit a few balls and think I'm feeling like Tiger but the Ryder Cup man you know what was wicked this year is that there was like heckling and there was like there's etiquette they go from they hold themselves to a higher kind of grade and so they don't do the heckling and jeering and stuff like that this year the American supporters just said forget that we're going to heckle these guys and try and put them off and Rory just went you know what alright guys I am ready and produce some mad and him and the Europeans produced a mad performance right and it off the back straight off the heckling went bang three yards from the pin and was walking down the fairway going oh my god it was unreal it's like being at a football match on immaculate grasses an immaculate green you know what you gotta put me on now because I've been no you gotta watch it I wanna go anyone who's due to organise the Ryder Cup get me there please invite me I'm coming please I need access all areas it is a plus one or two as well by the way we should go man I wanna go I wanna go well anyway sorry as well every time an American picks up a golf club in Ireland I think it is next I am going to be there screaming I'm going to go I'm going to have my phone on a mad light ring alarm and stuff like that I'm going to go nuts I'm going to bring football to the golf Rio just before we finish we should talk about your recent trip to Saudi man chilling with the stars you and Ronaldo Cristiano tapping each other hey bro how you doing bro hey there one missed you one missed you comment I had to go to my missus.

41:12So listen, you can't be baiting me out that way. And I saw Steve's one as well. Ooh, friends. Oh my gosh. And then obviously you was with Benzema as well. Yeah, yeah, Benzema. Laurent Blanc I played with at United as well. It was nice to just go there and just like see some of the guys catch up. First and foremost, it was just nice to go there and get my own take on what the football's like out in Saudi. Yeah. What the football culture's like more importantly. And boy, you gotta go, man. The atmosphere is nuts. Really? You were with Femania, right? Yes, I went with Femania. Kura break, one of my partners as well.

41:51We were there on the ground. So you're going into the ground. There's people there two hours before the game. Was that because of the Ronaldo and Benzema effect? I don't know. I think what I'm hearing is like Jeddah, they've got a bit of a cultish following. There are two teams there, which is a bit different from anywhere else in the South. So that's the type of stuff I'm going to find out. So I'm going to go there again. I want to find out, is it different in Jeddah compared to Riyadh, compared to other places that they play football there? But what I will say, these guys know their football.

42:21They're passionate about their football. And the atmosphere in the stadium was better than some of the games I've been to in the Premier League. What about the quality? Because, you know, sometimes there's this talk about the quality in Saudi's not as good and, you know. Well, yeah, what's Ronaldo's goal? He scored when I was there. He's moving on. It's no different to what he's been doing the last 20 years. It's just the movement was great. Mane set up a goal. Do you see Mane's goal? Oh, man, I'm not going to lie. Go and look at Mane's goal in that game. Left foot volley. There were players in the Premier League that would be fluffing that and they fluffed it at the weekend.

42:53You've got Benzema on the pitch. You've got Diaby who was at Villa last year on the pitch. You've got Bergwijn on the pitch. You've got Fabinho on the pitch. Kante still looks like he could play in Europe easily. You've got all of these players and you've got a few local players that are in there that look decent as well. the right back for Al Nassar he was really good really impressed me 1v1 going against Bergwijn it was really good I found it very interesting to see the difference in what I've been fed in the media to what I saw in real life and I'm sure that the people there will appreciate it as well because you've done your due diligence first hand yeah definitely sorry I thought Steve was going to say something I was waiting for it now anyway let's wrap it up anyway guys we're wrapping it up thank you very much for watching Rio Presents Steve started off negative but he got into it in the end.

43:39I thought Steve were brilliant today. Yeah, well done, mate. You know, that was a great rant, by the way. I'm going to clip it up and watch it myself later on. Thank you very much for watching. Make sure you're watching the interviews on this channel. They're getting better and better. We've got an unbelievable one coming in a couple of weeks, guys. Yeah. Any hints? He wore red. Okay. Postman Park. This guy. But yeah, I'm loving the interviews Rio meets. I'm loving Rio presents. If so, guys, Joe Baer, Rio Ferdinand, Stephen Alson signing out. Arsenal winning the league again. Oh, my God. And we're out.

44:15Peace. Thank you, guys, for listening to this episode of Rio Presents. Hope you've enjoyed the show. We'll be here every Monday throughout the season, so tell your mates and all get involved, man. If you've got a point you think we should be discussing, I want to put us on the spot with a question you want answering. Get in touch using the fans first at RioFerdinandPresents.com email address or use hashtag RFP on social. Make sure you leave us a review and follow this Rio Ferdinand Presents feed and you'll never miss an episode. See you on the next one.

44:4833 days, 33 episodes, no off switch. From the goals and the glory to the politics and the problems of the World Cup, if you want soccer analysis from a podcast that's been over-analyzing the game for more than 20 years, then this is it. Join me, Max Rushton, and our expert team of soccer journalists every day of the tournament Can England end 60 years of hurt? Or will this be another year of falling just short? Probably. World Cup Daily, listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch full episodes on YouTube.