People expecting too much of Manchester United and Michael Carrick

0:00Hi, this is Jonathan Fields, host of The Good Life Project. What if your home could welcome you at the door, energize your kitchen, and calm your bedroom all automatically? With Pura's family of smart diffusers, you can scent every space perfectly. Choose premium, clean fragrances, adjust the intensity, and set schedules right from your phone. It's whole home scenting designed for the way you live. Build your Pura system today at Pura.com slash whole home. I don't disagree with that though. I'm not saying that we were any better than what you're saying. But when I see the negativity in terms of this is why Carrick shouldn't be manager, it's like I know the ****.

0:42That ain't why he shouldn't be manager. It's stupid to say something like that because you're going to get games where you are under the coach, especially away. How many games? And people have got short memories. They forget even when we used to go away in our teams who people consider a great team, yeah? I don't understand what he is. I'll put it on Michael Carrick, but the team that he was forced to select because of the injuries to Cesco, Casemiro.

1:07Yes, guys, welcome to another episode of Rare Presents, brought to you by our trusted partners, crafted Joel Baer, Steve Huston in the house. Where are you? What are you saying, guys? What's going on, Rare and Steve? What are we going to do? Guys, we'll be discussing Bruno Fernandes winning the Football Writers Player of the Year. Lack of performance against Sunderland, some might say. Arsenal's massive win. Controversial at West Ham. I think it's bang out of order what happened, by the way. West Ham could go down on the strength for that, but we'll get to that later. Rio, let's move it on, all right?

1:42Before we talk about Arsenal's mighty win, there's a big interview dropping on the platform this week. Can we talk about it or can we not talk about it? What's the deal? Yeah, man, well, we sat with Casemiro, innit? the man that's leaving the man the myth like the hero the guy that the fans have absolutely fell in love with the guy that was told to leave football before it leaves him like the reincarnation almost he didn't even need to do it the amount of things that he's won five Champions League winners medals he's got in his back pocket like this guy I mean he's won not only a great interview but just showcased his humility wonderful human Steve was there with us Steve when we were doing the interview Yeah it was emotional Like genuinely It was unexpected Some of the stuff I was hearing It was nice Some of the stuff I was hearing But all I'll tell you is If you're a United fan You are obligated to go and watch it And share it with people Because You're just going to want to cuddle him afterwards I swear to God I swear to God You swear to God That is class man But listen guys Let's talk about it Let's talk about the draw against Sunderland.

2:56Nil-nil. Rio, what were your most concerns about that match itself, please? Let it rip. No, I'm not... I don't go along with everyone. I mean, Steve was texting me going, oh, this is terrible and blah, blah, blah. But I don't know. We can't expect perfection everywhere. Sunderland have caused havoc and trouble for a lot of teams at a stadium of light. That's been a factual season. So to expect that we're going to go there and just like we're expecting to dismantle them, like, without even a blink of the eye, I think is, one, disrespectful to Sunderland, but two, I think we're expecting too much of Manchester United in that sense, for where we are.

3:34Like, yeah, I expect us to go there and get a result and beat them, but it's not like a given, and nothing's a gimme. And drawing nil-nil away, we had a couple of chances, they had a couple of chances as well, but it wasn't a perfect performance, it wasn't a great performance, it was a performance where you go, you know what, pick holes in that. Yeah, I could, but no way to a team that's made it uncomfortable for many teams and some of the big teams, ain't classes that for me where you go, wow, guys, this is a catastrophe. But Rio, you're talking about Sunderland as if this is the start of the season.

4:09They've dropped off a little bit. Do you know what I mean? It's not like it was the place that it was in the beginning. It's still been a hard place to go. Listen, when Man Utd come to town, the energy's different. Blood's flowing through the veins is very different for teams. And that's no different now. The badge hasn't changed. The players might have, but the badge hasn't. So people still get up for it and they're going to make it difficult. So, I think the management would have expected a difficult game there. They would have expected to try and get three points. They would have gone to get three points, but it's not always possible.

4:43And that's what I mean. With the record that he's got, right, a draw away at Sunderland can't be cast as a terrible result. Like if it was switched around and we'd won two games, lost five and drawn six, and then we go away and draw, sometimes there's context to these things. When you put it in the grand scheme of things, it ain't that bad a result, by the way. Steve, I've got a question for you coming up. But beforehand, I just want to say that Fabrizio confirmed Rasmus Hojland, he's going to go sign for Napoli for 44 million euros. Now, does the lack of cover for Cesc Oro worry you in terms of next season?

5:21Xerxes ain't the man. Yeah. After what we saw at the weekend, he is so not the man. He's unbelievable. But I want to push back on Rio there. I think he spent far too long in the sun this weekend. He's in too much of a good mood. It was a terrible performance. And I'm not saying that you can have a good performance every single weekend. It was actually a good result because Sunderland thoroughly deserved all three points. They absolutely battered us. the only area that United actually had over them was the goalkeeper like if it wasn't for Lemons United get massacred in that game they were better in attack they were better in midfield they were better in defence they bullied us all over the pitch and that was what I think my frustration at least was was that we didn't even put up any level of challenge we didn't threaten them we didn't compete in midfield Brobby has just took Martinez and Maguire home in his pockets like it was an unbelievable performance some of them should be deviled that they've drawn at home to us because they should have beat us yeah and i don't disagree with that though i'm not i'm not saying that we were we were any better than what you're saying but when i see the negativity and and uh in terms of this is why carrot shouldn't be manager it's like i know the bollocks like that that that ain't why he shouldn't be manager like it's stupid to say something like that because you're going to get games where you are under the coat especially away how many games and people have got short memories and forget even When we used to go away in our teams, who people consider a great team, yeah?

6:46And teams would be all over us and we'd find a way to win. That's just a difference now. These guys never managed to find a way to win, but there were games where we would draw or we might drop points. That result and performance isn't anything to, I think, beat Michael Carrick with in terms of saying that is why. I see far too many people come up with that stupidness. I don't understand what it is. Yeah, people want to put it on Michael Carrick, but the team that he was forced to select because of the injuries to Sesco, Casemiro, So Man United without Casemiro are genuinely mid-table. It was already a priority to replace him, but oh my God, the desperation that we've got now to be able to bring someone in that matches or exceeds what he does to us is mission critical.

7:26Because it's going to be hard enough even if we were just in the league next year, but we've got Europe next year as well. We're playing that tune at Old Trafford next season. So we need to find not just someone that can replace him, but some backup. because outside of like 13 or 14 players that United have got at the moment, everybody else is nowhere near it. Mason Mount, it's time for him to pack and go and find a club that he can play at. Xerxes, it's time for him to go and pack and find a club that he can play at. There's far too many chances in this team. And I think that was exposed on Saturday.

7:56I don't put it on Michael Carrick because it's not exactly a plethora of players that he can choose from. But the players that we've got aren't good enough. And we need a massive window this summer. It's a huge window. Steve, you mentioned Lemans' important saves How important has he become? You're talking about without Casemiro mid-table What about without the goalkeeper? Lemans has to be in for a shout of like players playing here perhaps at United because he's just come in brought an absolute air of calm I think he's had one error which has led to a goal or at least a shot or something but he's just completely settled the debate I remember when we was linked with him wasn't sure if he was coming in as number one or number two how mad that looks now in hindsight with how good he's been you know I will give Ineos some credit that they found him out of nowhere last year and if they can find another one or two a winger or a second midfield or a fullback that's in that kind of ballpark and he's as good as Lemons has been oh we'll be in some fine shape next year you know what you need Steve I think the thing about him if you can go into a transfer market and upgrade to a level that we've upgraded from the last goalkeeper to this one, then if you get two or three of those, this team goes to another platform, another level in itself.

9:19Because the jump that he's made, like you say, the calmness that he's brought, the amount of saves that he's made, the difference-making that he's made with his team, I don't even think you can put a number on that. I think he's been superb. And he's won so young. That's what I love about it. he's young, he's still going to be getting more experience. He's only going to get better from now on. And he seems to have a very, very calm. I don't think it matters how good or bad he plays. I think it'll be the same level, very level-headed. And he won't get out of his pram too much about anything. So I think he's won for the next 10 years at Man Utd.

9:52He's going to be the number one. And I think he's someone, again, he's a definite great foundation to start building from what he's shown this season. But again, the transfer window, if you can upscale, like we've done from the goalkeeper position in centre midfield, even if you can do that, and other areas that are looking to reinforce, then we'll put ourselves in a great position. I mean, you know, played 40 games this season, we'll play close to 60 next campaign. How many players do United actually need to add if they're to compete in more matches? I think we need two midfielders, definitely.

10:27100%. I'll be buying two, even if you can get three, like with a young one. I keep saying the kid's name, the boy Smith is unreal the Dutch kid aka is it that one is if you haven't seen him guys please just go and watch this kid man he's he's a joke anyway him I'd go all out to get him and then it's it's one of like probably three or four players in midfield and one to come in and absolutely start and I think they need I would I would err on the side of wanting them to have Premier League experience first unless they're a top unless there's a Chiamaini where I'd put that to one side for someone like him with the experience that he's got.

11:07But like you say, Anderson is one of the ones that keeps jumping off the page because of his physicality, his ability to get around the pitch. And I just put it against who we're going to be playing against in big moments. Can we deal with the physicality of an Arsenal right now, the way that they're built and they're the best team in the country right now? Can we deal with the physicality and the pace and the tactical nature of a Man City? they're the other benchmark as well. And you need, I think, someone of the profile of Anderson, I think, to be able to deal with that. I think he's a very good player in that sense.

11:44But to complement someone like Kobe. But I think Chiumeni, I think, allegedly, there's been a bit of a fight in the training with Carl Verde. So that wouldn't worry me one bit him coming to Manchester United. I think I've seen a lot of people. I think, Joel, you were just going to ask me that, wouldn't you? Yeah. Does it worry you or concern me? Makes me want him more. Yeah. True. I want a bit of fire. I want a bit of aggression. And listen, he's not somebody who's been places and then go, oh, guys, he's trouble. I've met him. He's a lovely guy. Lovely guy. Quite softly spoken, really. But you put him into a 90 minutes where it means something, the guy can play.

12:25And he can do both sides of the game. He can play, but he can also rattle a few, get around people. Do you know what I mean? And he's versatile. I really like Chiumin. I mean, if we could get him, I think it would be an unbelievable sign. If we can pounce in a moment where there's a bit of destabilisation at the football club and his position is a bit of a concern for them, I think we've got to strike. Yeah, it might make him cheaper, you know, because of the scenarios in it. You know, there's a lot of changes and things that need to happen at Real Madrid, especially you can tell after the El Clasico match, They've lost again to Barcelona in La Liga for the second year running.

13:00But I want to bring on the... Go back on the Barnys in the changing room. I see a lot of snowflakes getting upset about that. But can you tell the people how normal that is? Yeah, there's always a problem in training grounds or after games in the changing room. I mean, we see Roy Keane, he's quite spiky now even. But in a changing room, if something needed to be said and it was going to be a little bit close to the bone and some people in an office maybe or school teachers would go, that is too close to the bone, that's too harsh. That was a normal day's work with Roy Keane. like and I don't know if I mean we lost games sometimes or something happened in a game and someone would shout about it I remember Gary Neville like moaning about something in the game I think Roy might have scored an own goal or the ball got dinked over him and someone scored or whatever so he was obviously a bit pissed off about that and Gaz was moaning about it I remember Roy jumping up and just remember them little Lucas aid things he just threw it he must have shaved his head hit the wall like he tried to get Gaz but he obviously never comes to that.

14:08But I remember Rude. Rude tried to run at... Actually, he's Gary Neville quite a lot. He tried to run at Gary Neville and fight him after a Middlesbrough game. But I remember him losing his head. This was like, it's normal. It happens. And that's part of football. But I think it's healthy dressing room when there's a few little arguments, little close to fisticuffs. That reminds me of one of your favourite sayings, Rio. People have to be comfortable having uncomfortable conversations. Yeah, man, you know who loved that kind of thing? Walter Smith. Now, if anyone from, especially up in Scotland, you hear the name Walter Smith, it's like legendary, iconic name for Rangers, right?

14:47Won loads and loads of league titles. He came in and became part of the coaching staff at Man United for a period of time. And he used to ref the game at the end of training sessions and especially the one on a Friday. But he had a whistle. He refused to blow it. All he'd done was wanting to see people have tear-ups. He would allow tackle after tackle, push after push, and blow to blow. Like, he did not care. He was almost like, he was almost goading it going, listen, guys. He was like, let Eddie Hearn. Like, he wanted to tear up in front of everyone before the main fight. And he was just like, because I think that gets an energy.

15:27All of a sudden, it's like you go into a game and you're angst, and everyone's ready, and everyone's like on the edge. And sometimes you need that to get through the season and just to always be on it. And I think you just need that spikiness in your training sessions to make sure, again, players are on it, sharpening their tools every single day. I'm not going to allow him to try and take the mick, by the way. Or he's left a bit on him. Right, I'll walk after that player that he tried to leave a bit on. I'm going to leave a bit on him. That's what used to happen in training. And it's for the good of the team.

15:56That's the most important thing. None of this gets personal. It ain't personal. It's for us to win. now there's been a lot of chat about bruno fernandez being crowned as the football writers footballer of the year now on it's been a debate everywhere people saying he doesn't deserve it because his side haven't won a trophy what's your response on those people because there's plenty of times that people have been awarded player of the year and their team hasn't won a trophy i mean scott parker did westland get relegated and he's got parker won it at the end of the day if you do something outrageous like he's done, I mean, there's a good chance he's going to or he's going to go very close to breaking the assist record.

16:35And he played in defensive midfield for half of the season. Like, you know, we sacked our manager halfway through the season. We finished 15th last season. He has, not single-handedly, but he's had a major hand in Manchester United going from 15th to possibly third. That's an outrageous swing in 12 months. An outrageous swing. And the level of consistency that he's put on him. He made four chances at the weekend. You know, I'm pretty sure now he has got more than double, or it's basically double. It probably changed this weekend. From the chances created that he's created to the second place. Like, it's not even like, oh yeah, he's created a couple more.

17:16No, he's created double the amount of chances. Imagine he was playing in your era. Imagine he was playing with Ronaldo and Tevez and Rooney and having Berbatov come off the bench and Nani. Like, can you imagine? This is a player that would have 35 assists a season, not even breaking sweat. Like, he's an absolute joke. If Steven Gerrard can get credit for playing in a mediocre Liverpool team, then why can't Bruno Fernandes? Steven Gerrard's allegedly a Premier League all-time great, don't even know that shit. No, no, no, he is, Steve. And just to confirm as well, producer George has just put in that Scott Parker did get relegated with West Ham when he won this award in 2010, and he beat Gareth Bale.

17:57Good knowledge there, Rio. Well done. Well done. I mean... Just a pretty face with a tan. Yeah. I mean, look, yourself, Rio, when it comes to Bruno Fernandes, you know, are you comfortable with the fact that he's won Footballer of the Year? Absolutely. I think that, listen, I think you've got to respect what Declan Rice has done. I think he's been the driving force, the driving force behind Arsenal this year. I think he's been magnificent. I think I agree with Steve that the swing that Man Utd have had has been largely down to Bruno Fernandes. 120 chances created. Dominic Soboslai is behind him, the next one, on 65 chances, right?

18:36Created. That is a massive double, like Steve said, right? 30 big chances created. The next person, again, significantly more than Ryan Cherky, who everyone's raving about and going bananas about, and rightly so. But that's almost double again than what he's created. He's got 27 goals and assists. this season. Only Haaland has more. Like, it's crazy. The stats are, I don't know, even the amount of goals that he's got, six have changed the whole shape of the game. Like, it's either giving United the lead or drawing them back level. Like, there's so much that you look at and go, like, he's not just scoring the third and fourth goal.

19:11Do you know what I mean? Of his 19 assists, 16 of them have been game-changing, right? And it shows the importance of his influence. They're not just like finishing a match off when a game's dead and buried. No, you don't get involved then. I don't think the debate is, for me, it's not whether he should win it or not. When you look at the criteria, which I think we should go through shortly, you know, to explain what matters when voting for the footballer of the year. But does he deserve it more than Declan Rice, David Raya and Gabriel and even Haaland? I just think what he's achieved I'll go back to what Steve said it's absolutely right the swing for the club is a huge thing to go from 15th to 3rd and convincingly and to be the catalyst when the team needed something at all points of the season he's been the guy that's inevitably always produced that moment either an assist or a goal and he creates chances at will throughout every game that you watch right and that's not to discredit those other guys that you've mentioned I'm just saying that I think his importance and his output has been crazy I mean like you you think about what what those guys are doing they're going to go on to achieve some great things this year I think they'll win the league and they've got a chance to win the Champions League yes that's great again but we're talking about an individual performance here an individual's performance throughout the year and I think collectively Arsenal have been fantastic but I think if you're talking about individualism and individual performances through the year, I think Bruno Fernandes deserves it.

20:46Right man, we've got loads still to come right on this pod but we'll be back shortly after this.

21:10things fresh with organic red cherries, strawberries, and peaches at their peak. And stock up on bug sprays and sun care must-haves. Make your summer sizzle at Whole Foods Market. Hi, this is Jonathan Fields, host of The Good Life Project. What if your home could welcome you at the door, energize your kitchen, and calm your bedroom all automatically? With Pura's family of smart diffusers, you can scent every space perfectly. Choose premium, clean fragrances, adjust the intensity, and set schedules right from your phone. It's whole home scenting designed for the way you live. Build your Pura system today at Pura.com slash whole home.

21:53Chris Waddle won it in 93, you know. Chris Waddle. What did they win? Nothing. Alan Shearer won it in 94. He won nothing. 95, Klinsman won it. He won nothing. Do you think this is a bigger conversation? David Jimlop won it in 1999. 1999, not one of trouble, David Ginnell on it. Yeah, no, no, it was rough. And don't forget, even, I mean, look, we can open this conversation about not only the football writers, but the Ballon d 'Or and are the criterias being done properly. This could be a shift to bring it back to the individualism that we all miss in the game. So that could be a positive thing, you know?

22:27And I think the criteria is when you're talking to, it's the football writers that vote for this, obviously, right? And the criteria is outstanding performances during the season. This is the biggest factor. Like he's doing the hardest thing in the game, almost double more than anyone else. Like when you put that into context like that, the hardest thing to do is to create chances to score goals. Right? And he's doing that at a rate, not even anyone's within 10, 20, 30. It's ridiculous. Influences on matches, goals and assists, consistency, big game performances, importance to the team's success.

23:04Just stop there. Stop there. Stop there. In all of that, who on the list that you mentioned is above him in that? Well, no one's above him on goals and assists on that list. Well, Haaland is on goals. No, only Haaland. Haaland is on goals. Influences on matches. Him. You've got to say Bruno. Consistency. I give that one to Declan Rice. I do give that one to Declan Rice, Rio. I do. I don't think... He's been consistent, Declan, but I just think there's a... The consistency with output has been like... He's just... And I'm not a man who just relies on stats, but you can't look at what he's done.

23:41He's played defensive midfielder more than what he's played attacking midfielder this year. And he's on course to at least equal, if not break, the record of assists in a season with two players, iconic players, Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, who both played in attacking areas for their football club. One a striker and one an attacking midfielder. and you're talking about a guy that's going to at least equal, if not go past that. It's not to be sifted out. You're right. If I'm taking those lists, I think that's the first one that Declan takes over him because he ain't got goals and assists.

24:16I can say he's got influence on matches, but you can't deny Bruno's influence on matches. I do think Declan's been more consistent. I do. Big game performances. Again, I've got to give that to Declan because he's been in more big games than Bruno, in my opinion, this season. I think, you know, because of what we're going for, I would say. But importance on a team's success, that goes to Bruno because, again, of what he's done. Leadership in character, you could argue, but I think you have to give that to Bruno as well, you know, because he's treating it like a basketball team, but Deke is very close on that.

24:54Overall impact on English football this season. I mean, can't run away from the assists either, isn't it? But does this change if we win the league at that point? The problem is, that's what I've always said as well the voting has already been done. So if you won the league, I think the votes will look differently I think if you won the league and then everyone's asked who's the person, they'll probably all start voting for Declan. And I wouldn't be against that because he's driven a team to win in a league I get that, but I still look at the when you look at individual awards Yes, trophies count, but also if someone's doing a madness as an individual in their team that is outrageous, that has to have huge consideration.

25:43Why did Scott Parker win it the year when Gareth Bale was flying as well, when his team got relegated? Was there the uproar that we're getting now? I didn't see no one going, oh my God, how has Scott Parker won it? Smaller teams. I think also sportsman and professionalism as well. That's one of the last factor on there as well. It's a rubbish point. Delete that. Oh, come on, guys. It's all part of the package. All part of the package is madness in the game. Hysteria, like madness. You want madness. All this sportsmanship and professionalism, that's just like for them people that write in the columns.

26:20I want to talk about sportsmanship when you play rugby at every corner. We'll get onto that later. We'll get onto that. But to say, just so people can remember before we move on, it is the FWA members that vote, unlike the PFA, where it's the players that vote. That's a huge difference as well, right? Yeah, but again, my big discrepancy with that, that's voted for too early. If you've had a purple patch around the voting time, you win the award a lot of the time. Do you know what I mean? If you're having an unbelievable, and it's voted for too early. We used to get it like January, maybe February sometimes.

26:51I used to think, if you've had a good festive period, you're flying. You make it. You win it. Listen, I also want to talk about another winner, right? A La Liga winner this time. Mr. Marcus Rashford. What a free kick, man. Performing very well yesterday in the El Clasico against Real Madrid, scoring a free kick as well. He said, I'm not a magician, but if I was, I would stay. Rio, your thoughts on Marcus? he's in his 20s in goals contributions for the season especially coming off the bench quite a lot as well so his contribution has been huge I think Barcelona they've got to try everything to keep him I think especially at the level that they can get in at even if they try alone I don't think Man United want to do alone but if I was at Barcelona I'd be trying to get him and keep him because I think he's been he's been impactful when he's been there from either off the bench or when he's played that free kick reminded me remember the one when we won the league against Everton we picked it up in my first season actually at Goodison and Beck spent it over the wall that side.

27:48It was similar to that. It was lovely. So, yeah, well done to Marcus, man. Great to see him pick up a trophy. And La Liga, you see that? That's that. Laminya Mao, as a teenager, has already won more La Liga titles than Cristiano Ronaldo did in his career at Real Madrid. Wow. That's mad, isn't it? Three versus two. Yeah, that is mental. I mean, also, when you're looking at Carrick, if he was to come back, Marcus, would he not fit the system for you guys? Don't think you can take a step back. Don't think it's right. I don't think for everybody it would be right. I think that is a ship that's sailed.

28:26That chapter's closed, I think. I think in Marcus's mind as well, he's just thinking, look at what I'm doing now. I feel great. I'm living in a great city as well. I'm moved on now. I think that's the way it should stay. Steve, do you think the same? Yeah, I think there'd be a certain section of our fan base that would just be waiting for him to not track back once or have a bad game and they would absolutely hammer him and I like him too much to see him do that. I think a clean break, you know, I'm delighted he's won a title. You know, he's had a fantastic career but it would have been a shame for him to have not picked up a title and gutted it wasn't at United because, you know, there's nothing better than that but, you know, congratulations.

29:05I can't believe Barcelona are omen and aring over the price. Could you buy, if I give you£26 million and said you need to go on Supermarket Sweep list, go and get me another left winger that can do what he can do. You couldn't find one. It's a joke that they've not done this already. Do you think it's a financial thing though? Yeah, they've got cracking accountants, man. They're just all over the gaff Barcelona. No, but, you know, 25 goal contributions. He's just been moving mad. But Rio mentioned that, obviously, another loan would be good for United, Steve. But don't you think that United are the ones that lose out on that?

29:40Because obviously, his value just diminishes as the years go. Yeah, he's closer to his contract end. He's closer to going on a free. £26 million is an absolute steal for him. So just pay the money. Do you know what? Things can happen. I think the hierarchy at Barcelona are going to go to Marcos and say, we haven't got the money to buy out. We can pay your wages, what we would have agreed with May United. But just go through the window and anyone that comes in, just refuse the loan. refuse a refuse a a deal that anyone gives you in Premier League or whatever it is and last knock-ins we'll come in and we'll pay a five million pound loan fee for the year or whatever it is and we'll pay you wages and we'll have another year's loan with you so just sit tight son we'll get it sorted I think that's what will happen that'll be ideal for him okay now moving on to the big topic of the episode that's right Arsenal practically officially crowning themselves as Premier League champions beating West Ham with no issues at all.

30:401-0. A thrilling game thanks to Clutch, Trossard, Rio. Did you watch the game on the beach? And what did you think? Was it a foul? Yes or no? I'm talking to Rio, Steve. I'm talking to Rio on this one. I want to know whether it was a foul or not because I know what you think and we don't care what you think. Rio, was it a foul or not? Yes or no? I think VAR are shit. Let's have it right. I'm not going to mince my words about it. I think they're terrible. How can it take five minutes to work that out. There's two or three fouls that are going on before the foul against Raya. Yes, it's a foul against Raya, 100%.

31:18But there's two or three fouls that should go against Arsenal in that phase of play. If you're going to give Raya's one, those ones should be considered first. That's my point, all right? And Arsenal, I've seen so many memes and different pictures on social media since when they're doing exactly what's going on and not being given fouls against them in that situation. So I don't agree with that decision, right? And it took him five minutes to come to the wrong decision. The wrong decision? Yeah, I think it was the wrong decision. So you agreed. Obviously, an Arsenal fan, you're going to agree with it.

31:55And I understand that, right? But I just don't know if you give that. I think it's a foul on Rhea. I do. I do think it's a foul. I agree with that. But in the phase of play, there's two or three fouls that are going on around that. That was absolutely. You should be giving. That was afterwards. If you see it in slow-mo, they tried to chop suey Reyes' head, and then Declan Rice tried to do the WWE move, but it was afterwards. Debo's got someone holding onto his waist, giving him the last dance at the prom. Someone's been thrown into the net. Someone's dragging someone else's shirt. I just don't think it was the right decision by any stretch of the imagination.

32:37And listen, because I'm West Ham as well, in my heart, West Ham are there. They brought me through. I'm sitting there going, like, a team's going to get relegated on a decision that should be looked at by VAR. And I don't think it's the right decision just to be made when you've got the ability to go and have a look for five bloody minutes. Like, it's not like he's made a rash decision, like, on the field and not had anything to kind of look at. He's had a five-minute spell to look at that, and he's got it absolutely wrong. And that's why I think VAR is faceless. the person in control should be coming out and he should be speaking to the public immediately because West Ham are sitting there and going we could have had a point if they go down and it's a point it's a whisker and it's a point it's out of order I spoke to I spoke to Anton straight straight after he just come off a weekend of doing the Ferdinand Ferdinand Collective Rio the flood lit cup doing really well and he he said that that's a 200 million pound decision there.

33:34And he reckons the reason why it took long is because he believes that people don't want to, like you said, faceless. It's just like, it's a big decision there. And they've kind of like taken the easy way out, if that makes sense. And when you look at former Premier League assistant referee, Darren Cann, he suggested a rule change that not allowing any attacking teams as players in a six yard box before the corner is taken. Darren, Darren, shut up. shut up Darren with them stupid stupid rule changes suggestions, what type of stupidness is that? Idiotic idiotic can't believe that type of stuff it just makes my blood boil a rule change like that, what are you talking about?

34:17Listen, all you gotta do, why don't you look at your people in VAR, your colleagues and go guys we need to get this right we need to see it for what it is here like, like I I say West Ham could go down on the strength for this, but can we just say another thing, please? Arsenal need a bit of respect as well. They've gone there and got a result. West Ham was part of the undoing in a previous title challenge. And so there were so many, like, there'd been loads of nightmares that would have been happening around West Ham and going to this game and thinking, what not again, please. The players' mindset going into this game would have been, we've been here before.

34:56They've undone us before. they've contributed to not winning before so this game was huge just from a mental standpoint approaching this game Declan Rice who's been a driving force for Arsenal this season former West Ham player has been there when they've been beaten by West Ham and they've got points and it goes against them for a league and you look at it and go how's he going into this game I've been a player going to my ex-team ground and you're going not under that pressure by the way to win a league just like just going at some point after I've left it's hard man emotionally he would have been on his knees after that game because it's hard takes everything out of you but they got it done and it's by hook or by hook I always say that in a title running these Arsenal players and new Arsenal fans will not care and rightly so doesn't matter what's happened we've turned the page now they're not thinking about it they don't want to talk about the VAR decision and so they shouldn't because it's like we've just ticked that one off and we've got through it and we've just dealt with that and now we're moving on we've got another a couple of games to go to win this league, forget West Ham, that's done.

36:00And whatever happens is there, happens. That's how Arsenal should be and will be thinking. Agreed. Steve, you mentioned earlier on how important Le Mendes is obviously to United and you did mention David Rea. Looking at Arsenal's success, is it possible to be successful without a great goalkeeper? What a save. No. And that shot from Fernandes, that won you the title. Yeah. That save was outrageous. I was... Joe, as the little link plays going through, I was like real, the noises I was making. Do you remember when we took him sand-june bashing? The noises he was making, as he's gone through there 1v1, that's the noises I'm making, thinking, bury it.

36:401v1, bury it. And then, what is it, two minutes later, it's 1-0 down. Yeah, that is what a big keeping us, that was Peter Schmeichel-esque, that was absolutely unbelievable. And he has been blessed this season. it was a bit of a tart for the foul on him I think he played up to that but it's what do you expect him to do what do you want him to do what do you want him to do you know you know when you talk about moments to win a league that'll go down as one of those moments I think that you look at that there that was a defining factor I think in you winning I think there's been loads of plays and you've played games and there's loads of goals and there's assists etc but when you think about something to remember when you win the league that'll be one of those moments right at the top where you go, David Rea, you won us the league.

37:29Like, and it ain't all Destan to him, but there are moments that you look at and go, wow, if that doesn't go the way it went and he doesn't do that, we don't get our hands on the trophy. And that might have been that moment for you guys. And I think it's that important. And I think you saw the picture with Arteta straight up to Rea after the game. You could see the teeth are out and he's like, thank you. That's what it's like. Thank you. I mean, Wright himself said that this team could go down as the greatest in the club's history if they win the title and the Champions League. Do you agree? Of course you have to.

38:06I think if they win the Premier League and the Champions League, no Arsenal team's ever done that. So in the same season as well. Man United have done it twice. I think City have done it. I think Liverpool done it in the 70s. My team done it. We won the Premier League and the Champions League. A lot of teams might normally win one or the other. But yeah, they'll have to go down as the best Arsenal team 100%. I don't think that's even, it's not even debatable, is it? Steve? I think your 98 team takes some beatings, to be honest. I was going to say you like that. I don't know what they fell short in Europe.

38:38I'm not actually sure what you fell short of in Europe, but that 98 team was something else. This team's different. I don't know. Maybe because I feel like this team's been gifted a hell of a lot of inconsistent decisions in VAR, and I don't think that they can play football quite as good as that 98 team could. They can win games and they're a good football team. No, Steve, I think they'll be the greatest Arsenal team. I think you're talking about being the best team. Being the best team that you've seen play football and if you put them against each other, I would definitely... It's a bit like real.

39:11They're not beating PSG so don't worry about it. Come on, man. I think Arsenal... I think I said Arsenal win the league this year and I think Arsenal will win the league and I now think that Arsenal have I think I think Arsenal are going to win the Champions League guys I think you know why can I tell you let me explain myself PSG are the better team 100 % right now they've got the better team they're the better footballing team better style of play they're the best team on the planet to watch right and their manager's the best right right now at this point but they look uncomfortable at set pieces.

39:51Even Bayern Munich, who ain't great at set pieces, they made them look uncomfortable and I've seen it many times this season. Arsenal play a lot of football and a lot of it is driven towards set pieces, right? And I think Arsenal fans would agree with that and they are very good at it. They're the best team in the Premier League at set pieces and if they get set pieces on three kicks and corners, they are going to cause absolute carnage against that small PSG team. physically at set pieces, they cannot compete with Arsenal. And if Arsenal get any type of possession and any type of free kicks around the box or even a halfway line, they're going to call damage.

40:28But it's going to be a little bit different in the Champions League though. There's no argy-bargy allowed as well. So we can't be as aggressive on set pieces. Bayern didn't have to be aggressive. You just have to make good runs and they've got athletic, big players at Arsenal who know how to get on the end of things. I just think that they're going to cause problems. and I think in the stadium you'll feel an air of, an energy of uncertainty from PSG. PSG are absolutely certain and confident in every facet of their game, bar set pieces. And that's where Arsenal are strong. So it leads me to believe there is hope for Arsenal.

41:05And like I said, I'll reiterate, as a football team and as the way that they play, it's not a comparison for me right now at this moment in time. But there's more to football and just style of play and the way there's set pieces that have to be considered hugely and I think Arsenal I think they're a massive threat for this PSG team. Steve, finally what are the faces about? Go on, Steve repel what I'm saying. I know what you're saying I think referees in the Champions League have been a little bit better at dealing with the garbage at corners and I don't think they'll get away with the same sort of stuff we've seen that already in Champions League this year I just think PSG are too good they'll go for them too much first goal will be massive there won't be many goals usually isn't in the final is there but the first goal will be absolutely massive but I think the confidence everything will be be with PSG and I think it'll be them I just think it'll be them I can't wait I'm going to go out I'm going to celebrate it like it was ours Oh man I love PSG the way they play football do you know what I loved the other day by the way for any young players or any parents of young kids or any coaches of young kids watching this please go and get the moment that Dembele was substituted in the semi-final second leg game I think it was around the 65th 66th minute right the moment the Ballon d 'Or Dembele was substituted please go and watch his demeanour and his response to being substituted please the way that he left the pitch no cursing no talking under his breath, no gesturing of discontent or negativity, went off, put his trackie on or coat on and supported his team like a true team man.

42:56That's Ballon d 'Or Dembele. And I think we see far too often players that get brought off and they're throwing their arms about, not happy and showing that they're not happy with things in that situation. I think that the environment that Luis Enrique has created at PSG in that one moment speaks volumes as to how they've become the successful machine that they've become. Yeah, he slapped the manager as well. Like, gave him a little five as well. It was all cool, wasn't it? It was smooth. Perfect. But listen, I think that's a great way to end the episode with you saying we're going to win the Champions League, not Steve saying we're not.

43:33don't forget everybody watching on this platform the big ones coming out Casemiro is out if you're watching this today on Monday it's going to be out at Tuesday 8am BST do not miss it it's a big one Rio takes the main man over to Old Trafford and yeah man it's really interesting even Steve, somehow Steve was in the environment somehow, I don't know how he got that call up that's a big call up to get by the way there's a couple of viral moments in there man seriously unbelievable so the notifications have got to be on guys and just share it like Steve said make sure you share this one because it is a banger and well done as well with all the interviews that are coming out on the platforms please keep on watching and make sure that you follow our Rio Presents group chat on Instagram because we're prepping for the World Cup as well Steve keeps messaging the group chat every day 29 days Joel oh my gosh I've done a session today by the way guys that we're going to have to do when we're away absolute burner unreal shoulders bit of core and legs have your headset on no no headset I was listening to the rules and regulations while I was doing it oh that's good stuff anyway guys Joe Baer Stephen Halson Rio Ferdinand signing out peace

45:02Thank you.

45:56We'll be right back.

46:02Ronaldinho sees Sun in the booth Sun finds Beckham going for extra Big Mac sauce He's got Davies at the table just behind him Davies going for his collectible cup Oh no! A steal by Henri Who pulls his own collectible cup Collect one of nine legendary cups With a FIFA World Cup meal At participating McDonald's for a limited time While supplies last All rights reserved 2026 McDonald's at FIFA World Cup 2026