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Rio Ferdinand Presents

7 Sep 2026 · 31m · 13 chapters

Episode artwork

“Man Utd’s Defence Is Costing Them!” | Can Carrick Fix it Before the Derby?

In short

Manchester United’s early-season defensive problems and whether manager Michael Carrick can fix them before the Champions League/derby; also discussion of Arsenal vs Chelsea and Arsenal’s defensive/transition organization.

Guests/backgrounds

Rio Ferdinand (former Man United defender, co-host), Joel Bae(r) (co-host), Steve Housen (co-host). They reference Carrick as United’s manager and discuss players/teams.

Key claims

United are conceding too many goals (at least two in each of first three league games; six conceded in three matches vs Hull/Everton/Ipswich). The issue is defensive mindset/shape and transitions, not just personnel; “little tweaks” like a more defensive approach from the two pivots and back four. Ownership/INEOS cleanup is contrasted with prior Woodward-era “gung-ho” spending and Glazer financial drain; blame is shared.

Notable examples

Everton 2-2 with a 90+6 equalizer; Hull set-piece goals; Luke Shaw mistakes leading to goals; Carrick’s decision to rest Rashford due to feeling something; Arsenal’s quick recovery after losing the ball; Myles Lewis-Skelly starting early and playing DM.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes.

Chapters

1:40

Rio's Upcoming Project and Guests

Rio discusses his upcoming project and introduces a Manchester United legend.

“So make sure you – I can't reveal who it is yet, but Steve is going to lose his – Phil Neville.”
4:14

Analyzing Recent Matches and Team Performance

Discussion of Manchester United's recent matches and the team's current struggles.

“which in effect meant that we are hamstrung in the windows that we're going into, in the transfer windows.”
5:54

Transfer Strategies and Club Management

Rio explains the differences in management between past and current regimes.

“Yesterday, Everton draw 2-2 at Goodison Park.”
7:44

Defensive Concerns and Key Players

Discussion of Manchester United's defensive issues and individual player performances.

“and I think we'll see a definite upside.”
11:14

Young Centre-Backs and Future Strategies

Rio addresses the potential of young defenders in the team and the importance of experience.

“Rio, I really want to know your thoughts on...”
14:00

Assessing Young Centre-Halves' Impact

A discussion on the risks and potential of fielding young centre-backs.

16:08

Midfield Dynamics: Tillemans and Maino

Examining the effectiveness and potential of Carrick's midfield duo.

“with Tillemans at the start of the season and it looks like Tillemans and Maino, they're Carrick's first choice in the midfield.”
17:26

Defensive Communication and Control

Discussing what a centre-back needs from midfielders for defensive strength.

“what would you be saying and demanding from them to help you feel more secure defensively?”
20:18

Rashford's Injury Concerns and Tactical Implications

Analyzing the impact of Rashford's injury on upcoming matches.

“He had a couple of nice little runs with the ball today.”
24:19

Arsenal's Performance and Tactical Evolution

A breakdown of Arsenal's recent match performance and tactical changes.

“I don't want to hear any excuses about time running out or anything.”
Show all 13 chapters
28:00

Assessing Young Talent in Midfield

Explore the impressive qualities of a young midfielder and his natural fit in his current position.

“But for one so young, his ability to manage big game situations and just really go in there like it's anything, like he's playing at Hayland for the youth team, it feels like.”
29:26

Upcoming Projects and Partnerships

Discussion about new projects including Football Escapes and upcoming events with football legends.

“You're surprising your life still here and there.”
30:13

Anticipation for The Debrief with Ryan Giggs

Teasers about The Debrief with Ryan Giggs, highlighting his legendary career and insights.

“It's called The Debrief with Ryan Giggs.”
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Transcript

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0:32by one o 'clock on the first Saturday of the season they've already pissed all over my chips then we get a little bit of happiness against Ipswich and it's right back down crashing down to earth this week

0:48Steve Steve we're going to be alright man just remember last season where we was halfway through we were in a relegation zone almost it was a relegation fight and look where we finished just keep the faith man You've got to be positive.

1:05Yes, guys, welcome to Rio Presents. Myself, Rio Ferdinand, Joel Baer and Steve Housen are with me. As usual, we're here, guys. And, you know, before we get into it, I've got a little bit of admin to go through. Wait, wait, wait, Rio, Rio, Rio. Where are you? Because that is not the normal podcast studio that you've built. Where are you at? No, man, I'm going to be away for a couple of weeks, guys. I've got a little project that I'm working on. I can't go into too much detail, but I'm working on something. I'll hit you with it soon and let you know, give you a bit of detail. But I know the Man United derby is coming up, and I've lined up a Manchester United club legend, you know what I mean, to come and fill in for me while I'm not there.

1:41I'm two weeks away. So he's going to fill in for me. So make sure you – I can't reveal who it is yet, but Steve is going to lose his – Phil Neville. Lose his head, lose his mind, right? So – I'll tell you all. Phil Neville. But you know what? should I say just moving on I'll be working on like I'll be working on something hard for the channel right it's coming out later this week me and Ryan Giggs have sat down there's an amazing like story about having dinner with Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola in a hotel in Manchester also talking about we touched on after getting booed because there'll be some people that forgot that Ryan Giggs actually used to get booed at times or at one point in his career at Man United so he's got a bit of advice for Marcus Rashford and in terms of healing his relationship with the fans.

2:29He tells us why United rejected the chance of signing Kylian Mbappe when he was coaching under Louis van Gaal, which is just an amazing story. Was that someone had concussion or something? No, I was saying to him, you needed to get me involved because I closed them deals. You know what I mean? I proved it before. I proved my worth, mate. I closed them ones. I said to him, fire them ones onto me and we'll sort it out and we'll get them ones done because we can't be affording to miss people like Kylian Mbappe. Who can't see that he's a surefire hit? mental yeah but I want to move it on guys obviously yesterday you guys saw the live that we've done which was a bit tasty you know what I've had a bit of time to think about it a 95 minute equaliser away at Everton after the first two games of results always going to be upset fans that's just part of it that's the way the cookie crumbles you're going to get fans that are a bit upset and a little bit like what's going on but I think it's we got on to talking about and people questioning about the ownership, INEOS, etc.

3:29And I think it's worth making a distinction between a few things. I think firstly, I think the previous regime, which was with the likes of Woodward, etc., compared to what INEOS is doing, there's a big difference in the way things are being done. I think the way that the windows are being looked at and addressed, with a lot of future planning going into place in this regime, I think there were things done in the past regimes where it was very gung-ho and it's left the club in the situation we are in now, where Ineos have come in and are probably sitting there scratching their heads and going, we didn't know the clean-up process was going to be this hard and it's going to last this long.

4:09We have a lot of the mistakes that were made. We've overpaid for players. We've paid astronomical wages, which in effect meant that we are hamstrung in the windows that we're going into, in the transfer windows. People have lots of opinions and lots to say on everything that Ineos have been doing, right? And I'm just talking purely about the transfer policy. That's all I'm interested in. All I'm interested in, how are we going to get a better team on the pitch? And that's where I'm looking at. And so when I look at Ineos, I look at that. And again, like I said, and I'll reiterate that point, they are doing a massive cleanup process from what's gone on in the past regime, which was like the Woodwards, et cetera, this world, the way that they approached that with their windows.

4:52and there's a hangover from that and to go even also, you don't want to end up like clubs like Aston Villa for example, have got no wiggle room in the transfer window, Aston Villa the heart was ripped out of their squad this window and what players are they bringing in and I think the bigger picture to look at on this as well is I think the Glazers, the way they've handled the financial situation at the club to get us into this position now where there's over a billion pounds that's been taken out of the club. And if we're going to get a new stadium, Steve said it on the show yesterday, another two billion, where are we going to find that money?

5:29I think those things have to be looked at. And you've got to call it for what it is. And I think that there's no way that May night should be sitting in the Premier League, no matter where we are in that league, and the promoted clubs are spending more than us. So you have to say, where does that blame lie? Yes, the previous guys that were running the day-to-day of the club, but also the Glazers because the Glazers have to sign all this off. So they have to be blamed there. Yesterday, Everton draw 2-2 at Goodison Park. Maitland-Niles, 90 plus six minutes. Screamer! Michael Carrick after the match.

6:05Is it fair to say that's the closest we've seen him to being angry, Rio? Yeah. Yeah, I mean, Carrick was never someone who was going to be shouting around the changing room. I think that's got to be different. I'm sure it's different now as a manager. And his body language would speak a lot. And even just his face expression, like I see in the press conference. But I look at it and go, yeah, he's upset. And rightly so. The performance deserves more. You can't go ahead like we did twice in the game and get pegged back like that. And you've got to say, where can we improve? I said it on the live yesterday.

6:46We've got to go into the game with the defenders especially and probably the two pivots, thinking more about defensive situations and how they're going to close space on the edge of the box. Because I don't see teams slicing through us willy-nilly like we've seen in past seasons. I don't think the system, I'm looking at the system and going, we are so wide open, we're getting slapped on transitions all day long, we're getting opened up left, right and centre. I don't see it like that. Two of the goals against Hull, I think, were set pieces. The two goals at the weekend were absolute screamers.

7:18Yeah, you could argue maybe Schoel could have got out a little bit quicker. I don't know. But it's still an unbelievable strike, an outrageous strike. So, as I said, these aren't, I don't think, where you go. The system's terrible and the players are playing disgracefully. I just think there's little tweaks. And I definitely think a defensive mindset from probably the two boys in front of the back four and the back four needs to just have a little bit of a switch and a dial-up to really dial into that. and I think we'll see a definite upside. It's been a surprise. I don't think anybody expected United to start like this.

7:50I think you guys were optimistic. Even rival fans, we didn't think it was going to be like that. Steve, just for the second time in the last 50 years, you've conceded at least two goals in each of the first three league games. Surely you're worried about a stat like that, bro. I'm worried about the defence. I am. There's no two ways around it. I don't know if it's personnel. I don't know if it's shape. Real's correcting. This isn't the sort of donut formation that we saw where we were conceding 26 shots under Eric Ten Hag and then a similar sort of number under Amerim where we were just... You saw the midfield pivot both push up onto the opposition when they broke, and then it was like a 4v3 at the back.

8:34We're not seeing that. So you've got to say it's different to that. But some of the defending around the box, whether that's stopping crosses dealing with crosses or getting to second balls when they bounce on the edge of the box is not good enough there's no two A's around it and Manchester United coming up against Everton Hull and Ipswich I don't mean this disrespectfully but Manchester United should not be conceding six goals against those three clubs in three consecutive games I totally agree yeah no that is a lot I mean would you put that kind of blame on Luke Shaw's performance? Because sometimes you go so strong on Luke Shaw, I guess it gets mixed up with the banter, etc.

9:19But, you know, there is obviously a narrative around him. What did you make of his performance and the narrative around him that you're part of? The problem is there was a few mistakes in pre-season and they've been replicated in the season. You know, he gets done for Ipswich, doesn't cost us, but he gets done for the opener. against Ipswich and then I think he could have got tighter to his man not entirely to blame for it but consecutive mistakes this is meant to be one of the senior in fact is he not the longest serving player at the club he's got to be surely so you know I expect him to be the one that's pulling others up not the one that's making the mistakes so I don't know how or where you go and fix it from here but it needs fixing and it even needs fixing collectively or the individuals that are, you know, look at the second goal.

10:13Last week against Sipswich, no one really wants to talk about them because we conceded two goals, but we scored five, so we won the game. But you concede two goals against Hull, don't answer them back, and you lose that game. You draw today because you conceded two goals. So you have to start somewhere stopping conceding goals. You know, we want to talk about Chelsea being this very gung-ho side. Well, let's talk about United lack of defending because that's costing us at the moment as well. You can look at Martinez and his mistake, being sloppy, trying to overplay, gets pickpocketed. We can see the second goal, Luke Shaw for the first.

10:50But the problem is you can start overanalyzing every single one. When are we just going to start seeing clean sheets? And when are we going to see the team take pride in taking clean sheets? Because yes, Hull nil does. And I think that's probably not the last time that that happens this season. Let's be honest. but I do believe in that front line to score goals I just don't believe we can keep a clean sheet at the moment and that's a problem I do think it's a mindset Steve I do think like listen there's no getting away from it conceding six goals in three games against the teams that on paper you go again without any disrespect you shouldn't be conceding that amount of goals it's not good enough so they've got to improve that but again I'm going to say the same thing again there needs to be conversations in there about guys we don't concede even if it's a nil-nil the next game we just don't concede because I just believe our forwards are going to get chances they're going to create, they're going to score goals that's how we approach games I know it's different times, different players but in all the best teams and good teams that I've played and who are successful for periods of time you just thought, concentrate on what we do we stop them scoring, we get goals and I think you've got to sometimes switch your mentality like that and if we do that we're going to have a chance of changing the way that things are going at the moment because you can't keep conceding two goals a game and think you're going to jump up the league and be a threat in the league at all or even be considered a good team.

12:08Rio, I really want to know your thoughts on... This is from Son of Fate on X, right? He says, Just start heaven. Euro is our centre-back partnership. We're ready to suffer for the future. We are stuck with a defensive line that got Oli sacked five years ago. Do you agree? Steve said this the other day, didn't he? You said that that same back line was the one that started four years ago, which when you put it like that, that's not... Like you said, unless you're winning and you're a successful team at that time, it's hard to swallow that one.

12:49But, yeah, I'm of the same. I would throw at least one of those two centre-backs in, young boys in. I think both of them have shown signs. I think Heaven's probably shown more recently. I think they've both got high ceilings, but they need to play football. And it's just about when Michael Carrick feels confident he can play them. I think playing them both is difficult. Two young centre-halves playing for Man United, has that ever been done? Have we ever seen that done? Like, I came in and I was playing with Lauren Blanc, then I played with Mikel Silvestri, who was an experienced season international, at times West Brown, season international.

13:32before me, I don't remember what happened at the club. You've got to remember, you can kill a young player if you play them too early or if you expose them to too much too soon and the team ain't ready and they're not ready maybe. And I'm not saying they're both not ready. I think both of them could be ready but not as a pair. I think it's too early to do that. It's too much scrutiny. The spotlight, the pressure at this club is too big to put two young centre-halves in that position that's in such an important pivotal position for a team is the foundations of success at all football clubs to put the two of them it could work against them if you put both of them I'm not saying it can't work but I just I wouldn't want to risk the investment they've put into the two young centre backs could it be a partnership in the future yes definitely but I think you've got to play with an experienced one at the moment right man we've got loads still to come right on this pod but we'll be back shortly after this guessing is for game shows not your business workday is the enterprise ai platform for hr finance and it with ai grounded in your context to get work done and done right it's a new workday therapy's biggest impact doesn't show up in some dramatic breakthrough it shows up in the smallest moments you bite your tongue instead of escalating you put your phone down instead of firing off that text.

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15:35You can search by what matters, like insurance, specialty, identity, or availability. And you can book a therapy session in minutes and begin in as little as two days, not the national 48-day average. See if you could pay as little as$0 for therapy in seconds at growtherapy.com slash start now. That's growtherapy.com slash start now. growtherapy.com slash start now. Availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan. Rio, you sat down with Tillemans at the start of the season and it looks like Tillemans and Maino, they're Carrick's first choice in the midfield. How balanced is that pairing when you see them play?

16:20When I watched them against Everton the other day, some of the one-touch football, some of the crossovers, the rotations, the control that they had in the game at periods of the time. I was sitting there texting my mates going, I wouldn't mind playing in this team with these boys in front of me, man. I'm telling you the way that they play. And I think even defensively, I think that Cobby in the last two games, I think his impact and his effectiveness in winning duels has really improved and jumped up another level. I heard Michael Cowick saying there's still things they want to improve on, but I think that's one of the things I'm looking at.

16:51If you just look at two games, I've seen him, a massive difference in that aspect, getting to people, getting up against people, being more combative. So, again, I think there's still stuff to work on in there. But for a first look at the two of them to plan together properly, I'm quite positive and quite optimistic in the way that they're going to play. But listen, Steve said it before, there's a load of games this year. It's going to change. That's not going to be the final piece and the final way it works. The manager will see new things with other dynamics and partnerships. we have to wait and see.

17:21But right now, I think it's a very, I think the balance looks quite good. If you're centre-back behind these two, what would you be saying and demanding from them to help you feel more secure defensively? Yeah, I just think continue to control with the ball, keep the ball. I think I saw Carrick gesturing on the sidelines about keep the ball, keep the ball, to Tene Uri later on in the second half to try and see the game out. One of the things I would say, I think, well, Kobe came off the pitch, but controlling in the really pivotal moments of the game is where I want to see it. I saw it for large parts but when the game starts coming away from you and emotion gets involved, late stages, the opposition, the home team are pushing, where's the control then in them moments is where you want to see that evolve into and that's going to take a bit of time.

18:10It's a new partnership. Kobe's a young player. Yuri's an experienced guy so I can help him maybe with Bruno in front of that but also defensively, that shield if we do get penned back when there's going to be moments which is inevitable in football matches where do you come alive then and where do you become effective in those matches in those situations like Steve said the edge of the box when there's cutbacks when there's balls to the attacking midfielders of the other team where are you in and around those moments then? Steve Carrick admitted that Marcus Rashford came off because he was feeling something and he'll find out more later on in the week with the potential injury with the way he's come back and he's had a positive start But how damaging could that be?

18:51It could be, yeah, especially because Marcus is the perfect person to play against City. With where I expect City's line to be, I think he'd be a massive, massive asset. That being said, I also think Dogu, when he's not got to break a low block down, and he won't on Sunday against City, if he's just got space that he can run into, I think he's going to be quite effective. And maybe that's the better option anyway. I think United, we've got depth. I don't know if the quality is equal across everything in terms of the depth that we've got, but we have got depth. And in previous seasons, especially with Lissandro Martinez, as soon as he could stand up straight, he was getting flung back into the team because there was nobody else.

19:33And I think if we can do one thing right this season, midfield, front line, and we seem to be doing it with Sesco, if my reading of this is correct. And it's not just that we think he's not ready to start, so he sits on the bench. we don't need to rush people back with injuries because I think that's really hurt us in the past. Like Casemiro couldn't have a day off last year. And even though I thought he ended the season very strongly, there's times, isn't there, where you just think, we've run out of steam here. And I hope that's the biggest lesson Carriker's learned from last season to this season.

20:08Probably out of necessity a lot last season, to give him credit on it. But I think that we should be very careful with everyone. And to go back to what you was asking about Rashford, He started very well. He started very well. He had a couple of nice little runs with the ball today. He was unlucky. Why is that not a penalty, by the way, when Tarkovsky's come through the back of Cunha? I thought he got the ball, you know. But I thought it didn't matter if you get the ball if you come through the back of someone. Did he go through his leg, though? I don't think he kicked his leg, though, did he?

20:37Yeah, he took him away, yeah. He might have touched the ball first, but still then, the definition's not clear, is it? Yeah, yeah. It's a contact sports thing, wearing a pen. talking about last year. You know on Marcus though, Joel, I think it's a good start and I think the most important thing we spoke about before a ball was kicked, he's got to work, he's got to graft and no one can sit here and throw that at Marcus that he hasn't run and he hasn't grafted and rolled his sleeves up. He said a stat there saying he made 16 sprints in the 70 minutes, he played more than any player on the pitch during that time.

21:09So he's obviously putting in the hard yards. He just needs a goal. He needs an assist or a goal. I'm not really interested in those stats. when it comes to, especially your forward runners doing what they're supposed to do. The fact that he's playing, I'm happy for him. You know what I mean? I think he gets spoken about a lot negatively, but I think I really don't care about those stats, respectfully. But quickly, I want to go back to you, Steve. You're talking about you're worried about Thursday. You lot are back in the Champions League. This is big Manchester United. You're playing, was it Sabah, Massazier?

21:44You know, this should be an easy win, no? Should be. Football ain't like that, though. And this is their, I think it's their first time in the Champions League, right? Like, if they get a 0-0 at Old Trafford, I think it's national holiday time for them. Like, this is bigger than anything that they're going to do in the game. So that 0-0, if they get it on Thursday, is going to be massive. And look at what United struggle with. Mid to low blocks. if they've watched any of our games this season and I imagine they've watched every minute of every game we've had this season they're going to be like, cool if any of you cross the halfway line, you're sacked so I think they're just going to completely low block us and they're going to make it incredibly difficult the best thing we could do is score in the first 5 or 10 minutes and after that, yeah, we might score 4 or 5, maybe even more but if it gets to half time, you know what that team talk's got it's going to look like any given Sunday in that opposition changing room come half-time if it's nil-nil, quarter to nine on Thursday night.

22:45And then every minute that goes, we've all been in stadiums where you're just constantly looking at your watch going, running out of time. How many times have we seen it where it's been one of those days? One that sticks in my head, Rio. About 2006-07, Sunderland at home. Keeper must have made 30 fucking saves, right? And it's just like, you know about 10 minutes in, he's pulled worldies out that he's got no physical right to get to, and you're gone, not our day today. and then they celebrate a nil-nil, like they've just won everything. That's part and parcel of football, do you know what I mean?

23:18I mean, I've played in games against smaller teams in Europe. They're difficult games. There's challenges everywhere, and Steve's right. In the changing room, all you're talking about is get an early goal. Let's get an early goal. But if that early goal doesn't come, it does get a bit jittery around the stadium. You sense a little bit of anxiety that creeps into the stadium, and that's where the fans have got to play their part. Keep cheering the team on, which they do, which is testament to the fans, but the players need to just stay on, stay on what you've been told to do out there, which is put the team under pressure, and go, sometimes in them moments, in them games, you go old school, just make sure the ball is going in that box, and they're having to defend, because they're going to put their bodies on the line, yes they are, but I think that's going to be a game for someone like Sesko, he could come in and get a brace or two or three goals in that game, because you've got to put the ball in the box, let him attack it, he scored it from across at the weekend against Everton, good header, Pickford might have done better, but it's still a goal, you get that, great confidence builder.

24:10And I think he's got to take that on again in the game in midweek. Get the ball in the box, cross the ball, and you will get chances in football today. That's just the way it is. You should slap him. I don't want to hear any excuses about time running out or anything. It shouldn't be 3-4-0, 5 maybe even. I mean, see, let's move it on to Arsenal. Yes! I know Joel's been sitting there in his Arsenal shirt waiting for this moment. Arsenal, Chelsea, A little bit more like an old school game Do you not think the way it was? Loads of attacks, tackles flying in A little bit of do's in the middle of the parks A couple of goals as well, which is good Do you know what?

24:49With how good Chelsea have been going forward this season I was disappointed in them And Joel's going to be Because Arsenal are good Not necessarily I was a little bit disappointed with them I thought Arsenal played well I thought you created chances not just from set plays, but yeah, they did create from set plays. By the way, I told you as well that we're not just a set piece team. By the way, I told you we've evolved. And I think the signing of Solis really helps that. I said in our preview at the start of the season that he's going to get the most assists in the league so far. And I'm by far, I'm right as it stands.

25:26But I do agree, Steve. They were a little bit underwhelming in a sense where all that chat about JP Morgan and stuff like that and how good they are and Lavia being back and et cetera, but we outrun them. When we lost the ball, Rio, I have never seen a team recover so quickly. And that's one thing you did say about Mikel Arteta. You said that he's going to bring organisation to the team. And boy, some of the positive things you've said about Arsenal, the both of you, you were right. Steve, you were right about Kai Havertz and what I saw from him today. I have to say, I don't even know if I want another striker at this point.

26:02You know, I think a couple of years ago, two or three years ago that's one of the things I was most impressed with with Mikel Arteta Arsenal were the best at getting people back behind the ball and stopping transitions they were unbelievable they're relentless the work ethic the work rate the organisation that goes into that the understanding of the trigger of transition I think it's one of the hardest things to coach you know I think in terms of making sure players are switched on concentrated and know when and how and where to be when the ball turns over right and getting back in positions. Even Declan Rice's foul the other day on Morgan Rodgers, which creates a bit of a melee, but stops the transition.

26:42They're little nuances that enable you to win games or stay in games or stay ahead in games, change the dynamic and the rhythm of the game. These little details here, I think Mikel Arteta, I think he's been absolutely spot on in those departments. But Rio, a player that we both like, we were speaking about at the start of last season, And, you know, he started so well at left back. And then obviously Califuri came in and, you know, rightfully so. Him and then Kapia were excellent during the course of the season. Myles Lewis-Skelly, he comes back end of the season. He's now been starting in the DM position.

27:17We know that, you know, the Gimoresh injury has kind of played a part in that a little bit. But we can't forget the fact that he's dislodged Zubamendi, who for the start of last season was an absolute start. You know, let's not forget that's a World Cup winner over there. But all of a sudden, Myles Lovitz-Kinney, he's winning all his jewels. He's great when he gets the ball back. And he is the first ever English teenager to start each of Arsenal's first three Premier League games of a season. You've got a lot of good things to say about that guy. Yeah, well, I was surprised that he wasn't playing more games last season.

27:52And then when you needed a player to come and help you get over the line, he was the guy that was called upon. So he had his input into the season when you won the league. So he's forever going to be mentioned when you mention about winning the league because he played such a pivotal role towards the end. But for one so young, his ability to manage big game situations and just really go in there like it's anything, like he's playing at Hayland for the youth team, it feels like. He's just unnerved. Again, he goes in as cool as you like into big situations and just plays his game. and there's no coincidence and there's no surprise how well he's doing in the midfield because a lot of people that don't know him or don't know his journey, he wasn't a full-back.

28:30He was a midfielder. So he's always, that's natural. So what we're seeing from him now is what the Arsenal coaches from probably under nine, under eight years old have seen him do since he was a kid. His ability to beat the press, to beat challenges, to win duels, to win the ball back and play. So he doesn't look like a full-back playing in midfield. He's like a midfielder playing in midfield. and he's doing a great job. Yeah, I mean, we can give credit to the whole team today. I mean, David Raya with loads of saves. Conso fitting into the team perfectly well. Ben White, resurgence. At one point, I thought he was going to be out the door this summer.

29:05You know, like I said, Solis again. Saka's looking like he's back as well, which is great to see. But yeah, you know, excellent stuff all around, back-to-back champions. Listen, you see this project that you're doing, Rio? What is it? One of those Let Me A Fiver projects? I'm going to be asking you to lend me a fiver soon or what? What's going on? No, no, we've just got, we've got a new project that we're doing, man. Listen, it'll come to light soon, man. I don't want to spoil the fun. I don't want to spoil it. You're surprising your life still here and there. So just spend your time. You know, you know that thing you did with Football Escapes?

29:35My missus tapped me up. She goes, oi, have you seen this new partnership with the hotels and whatever, whatever? I don't know if that's the project or not, but that's massive, by the way. Football Escapes is amazing. Yeah, not because I think. Anyone who's got young kids who, when they're on holidays, want to go to a football camp with a legend. We've got, like, myself, Nemanja Vidic, Waza, Roberto Carlos. What's the age limit on the kids? Can you take 42-year-olds? Yeah. 16. You can have a shave. You might get in. Go on the website, Football Escapes, and have a look. Seriously, it's unreal. Unreal.

30:08You know what? We've got something coming really special, man, later on in the week. It's called The Debrief with Ryan Giggs. some amazing gems in there. I spoke about it at the top of the show, but for everybody, anyone who loves football, obviously May United fans especially, but anybody who loves football wants to hear some insightful stuff about some of the big legends of the game or some big moments that have gone on or things that are going on in the game now, please make sure you turn your notifications on. Make sure you tell a friend, subscribe, because you don't want to miss it. The debrief with Ryan Giggs.

30:40Real deal. I just have to say, Ryo, you know how you've got six prems and sometimes I talk as if I've got more than you. See Ryan Giggs, yeah. When I think about him and I think about his trophy cabinet, I just go like this. Do you know what, Joel? I introduced him, yeah, on the show, right? Make sure you watch this, guys. But the intro was something like, I think, this is Ryan Giggs, played almost a thousand games for Manchester United and he won the Premier League 13 times. Two Champions League. I didn't even mention the two Champions League, I don't think. or when you say that 13 Premier League titles and almost a thousand games is you there are I don't know if there's anyone who's done that in Sunday League football it's unreal like it's my disrespect that I have towards you guys the banner just goes out the window out the window but yeah love the show anyway guys please make sure you like share comment and subscribe hopefully you don't get back to winning ways so Steve can start smiling again we've got a new WhatsApp that's been formed explain that to me I walked in so full of optimism relatively and by one o 'clock on the first Saturday of the season they've already pissed all over my chips then we get a little bit of happiness against Ipswich and it's right back down crashing down to earth this week

32:04Steve we're going to be alright man just remember last season where we was halfway through we were in a relegation zone almost it was a relegation fight and look where we finished just keep the faith man you gotta be positive we need to get Everon I'm gonna shout Pat Everon to come on and give us a little bit of positivity we need people that love the game we can't have this negativity man oh my goodness Ria what I saw last season give me enough hope that they're still there alright anyway guys please enjoy make sure you subscribe also on our Instagram you've got a group chat on there as well just do everything man Rio Ferdinand presents Joe Baer Rio Ferdinand, Stephen Housen signing out, peace back to back champions

33:17We'll be right back.

33:39Selection varies by location. See Lowe's.com for more details. The soil offer excludes Alaska and Hawaii.

From the publisher

Rio Ferdinand, Joel Beya and Stephen Howson react to Manchester United’s dramatic 2–2 draw at Everton and assess the defensive problems threatening Michael Carrick’s promising rebuild.


Rio explains what he likes about the developing partnership between Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans - from their one-touch football, movement and control in possession to Mainoo’s growing defensive intensity. He also reveals what he would demand from the pair as a centre-back, particularly when United are under pressure and need greater protection around the edge of the box.


The team debates when United should put their faith in young centre-backs Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, what Marcus Rashford’s potential injury could mean ahead of the Manchester derby, and how Carrick can stop his side conceding two goals every game.


They also break down Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea and Rio reveals one specific quality that separates Arteta’s side from all others in the Premier League. Rio shares his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s performances in midfield, praising the teenager’s composure in big moments, ability to beat the press and strength in defensive duels.


Plus, the trio look ahead to United’s Champions League return, while Rio teases a mystery Manchester United legend joining the show and reveals what to expect from his special deep-dive conversation with Ryan Giggs that drops in a new format for RFP later in the week.

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