


22 Dec 2025 · 42m · 18 chapters

Rio Presents (Christmas/New Year episode) features Rio Ferdinand, Joel Baer, and Steve Housen. Topic: AFCON trip recap; Manchester United vs Aston Villa (2-1) defensive breakdown; coaching/communication issues for Leny Yoro and Ugarte; debate on Kobe Mainoo’s situation after his brother wore a free “Kobe” t-shirt; Arsenal title-race talk; Liverpool resurgence and Morgan Rogers evaluation.
Joel Baer and Steve Housen are regular football pundit/commentators alongside Rio. Rio recently returned from Morocco for AFCON and discusses interviews he’s done.
United conceded two “identical” goals due to slow defensive reactions, poor communication, and Ugarte “standing/sitting” instead of sensing danger and stepping out. Young defenders (Yoro/Heaven) can be coached, but must learn timing and 1v1 channel protection. Kobe Mainoo’s brother’s public t-shirt move may harm Mainoo’s image; Rio argues Mainoo must seek game time or a move if he’s not getting chances. Arsenal are “in control” despite City’s scoring surge; Pep’s “not happy” comments are framed as mindset/pressure.
Leny Yoro vs Morgan Rogers on both goals; John McGinn early shot leading to a 5v3; Luke Shaw pushing forward while United played a back four; Fletcher sons Jack and Shea Lacey debuting (Jack quieter, Shea scored/cut inside).
Written by AI. May contain mistakes.
Rio discusses his recent trip to Morocco and upcoming guests on the show.
“What if you had a room where no one interrupts?”
Rio discusses his recent trip to Morocco and upcoming guests on the show.
“I've just come back from Morocco for the first part of the AFCON still.”
Discussion about Rio's interview with Bruno Fernandes and its insights.
“It's just nice to see him like just chilled out, open and just talking freely because I think the pressure's on.”
Rio and the team analyze Manchester United's match against Aston Villa.
“we've got some others coming as well but I told you the goal scorer whose name is no longer his own birth certificate name.”
Rio discusses defensive mistakes made during the match and their impact.
“Talk to us about this one, though, man, Rio.”
Discussion on the importance of communication and individual responsibility in defense.
“On both goals, identically, he was standing and just sitting there.”
Rio discusses the current defensive weaknesses of Manchester United and the need for better coaching and teamwork.
“How long have we been saying that we're too easy on a transition to play against with like a hot knife through butter at times?”
Rio and the hosts discuss Kobe Mainu's recent controversies, family support, and the implications for his career at Manchester United.
“Users who received a boost improved their FICO score rate from Experian by an average of 14 points.”
Discussion on Amorim's management style and its implications for Mainoo.
“For someone that's clearly an intelligent footballer, everyone around him seems thick as fuck.”
A heartfelt acknowledgment of the Fletcher family's contributions and achievements.
Insights into the impact and expectations of young players making their debuts.
“I mean, great young kids, massive WWE fans as kids.”
Exploration of the pressures young players face as they transition into professional football.
“You're going to get knockbacks, sit on the bench, you ain't good enough for this team, he's better than you.”
A breakdown of Arsenal's performance against Everton and the implications for the title race.
“There is a way that some of them do make it a little bit lower down the leagues and at different places, but there's a lot that goes into being a player that goes into just makes a David but stays there.”
Discussion on Manchester City's scoring and its impact on the title race.
“go away and do the job you know and i thought even though it was one nil i didn't feel at any time as if they put us under any pressure.”
Analysis of Pep Guardiola's comments and his team's performance consistency.
“Because I don't think they've played well in about a month.”
Examination of Arsenal's beliefs and mindset regarding their title chances.
“I think it's how you choose to see things.”
A look at Liverpool's recent performance and its potential impact on the league.
“Just because of some of the fans, right?”
The hosts discuss the skills and potential of various football players, debating their rankings.
“I don't think he's the level people are talking about.”

Get the gist, explore an idea or ask about something said.
On Rio Ferdinand Presents, what are the key points of this episode?
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.
0:00A BetterHelp ad. Hold on. One second. I just need to...
0:11What if you had a room where no one interrupts? No notifications. No expectations. Just space to talk. With BetterHelp, therapy happens in a space that's yours. Visit betterhelp.com slash randompodcast for 10 % off your first month of online therapy.
0:52Ask me and you've gone and done that on your own. We're going to have to have a conversation because I ain't into that. You're putting me in a bad position in my change room. I don't want that.
1:06Yes, guys. Merry Christmas to everybody. I hope everyone's having a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year to be coming down the line. It is freezing out here. Rain, sleet, snowed a lot. But we're back. We're here. I'm here with my usual suspects, Mr. Joel Baer and Steve Housen, man. And this is brought to you by none other than Crafted, our trusted partners. So Rio Presents on a Monday. What's going on, guys? What changes? What's different? I'll be honest with you. I've just come back from Morocco for the first part of the AFCON still. Yeah? Yeah, it's been incredible out there, the vibes. I've actually got...
1:38JJ Okocha was actually talking about you as well, you know. I think he's been seeing the Rio meets still. Is it? Well, we've got to get him on. We'll get him on. I spoke to him slightly on the DMs we spoke. So when he's around, when I'm around and our diaries meet up, we can do it. I reckon we've seen the goal of the tournament already in the first round of games. The Rockland guys. See the overhead kick? Oh my God. Incredible. El Cabi. That's right. I'm still getting familiar. Yeah, really, really, really good stuff. I know AFCON is obviously a big thing. We're going to be discussing throughout Rio Presents as the weeks go on, but you just dropped a banger of an interview with Bruno Fernandes, Rio.
2:16What the heck? That's what the Carrington secret was. That's why you didn't go check Steve last week on Saturday. Steve, that's why I couldn't come and see you, man. I was busy talking to the captain of the club at the moment. But you know what? It was just nice to see him. It's just nice to see him like just chilled out, open and just talking freely because I think the pressure's on. It's a high pressure situation being a captain of the club. And normally when I've seen him, he's always kind of like straight back and answers back and he's just a bit more relaxed and jovial. And it was just nice to see him.
2:46And seeing him dissect and talk about his game and the way he sees things was the interesting point for me like you guys look like I don't know how close your relationship is with him Rio but I messaged you didn't I and I said during the week I said everybody was smiling everybody was being honest and I like the fact that you didn't back away from any questions my issue has always been the waving of the arms and etc and you tackled it straight on you know I felt like you was talking to me when you were talking about people in the media to be fair he's he didn't dodge anything do you know I mean waving the arms is part of his makeup it's what he is but he cares and sometimes you just have to channel that in a different way.
3:22And he's working on that as a captain. Steve, what did you think? What was your thought, Steve? Yeah, I really enjoyed it. And I think it's good that the club have let you go and do this as well because I know that there's a bit of an arm's length thing, isn't there, with United at times? And I think United can be a bit scared. So it was nice to see that they've let you go in and not just giving you any old player, but like here's the captain you know what I mean like that's good stuff and I think Bruno came across great I think it was an honest interview it wasn't a fluff piece it wasn't like let's just like blow smoke up his arse there were some difficult questions in there and I think both of you came out of it looking great to be honest and I think it's a good bit of content for any United fan and actually any football fan that's going to watch it to be honest you know we've got some we've got some others coming as well but I told you the goal scorer whose name is no longer his own birth certificate name.
4:21People got it. People did get it in the comments. Who did they say? I'm not going to... I know who it is, so I'm not going to see what he looked like. We'll see. We'll see. We're going to drop that one soon. And we've got an African star as well. Somebody who's done bits in the African nation, has done stuff at the World Cup. So he's played in the Premier League as well. So he's coming on soon as well. So, yeah, we've got some decent stuff coming and some bigger ones down the line. you mean and others down the line as well oh some bigger big big big big ones yeah all good but listen let's not shy away from uh uh a big match yesterday that was played um i don't know if you saw my stories steve i i actually had my man united shirt on um rooting i just needed man united to do one job just limit aston villa's points but unfortunately that wasn't the case uh villa beat United 2-1.
5:13Talk to us about this one, though, man, Rio. Attacking-wise, I thought we looked all right. Especially when you're sitting there going, we haven't got Nbumo and you haven't got Ahmad, right? And you're going, OK, they've been two of our biggest threats. And yeah, I think you look at it and you're going, Cunha's creating moments. Mason looks good in there. The first half, especially, you've got Bruno linking things as well. But you just have to be honest and say, there's two magical moments in the game that separated the teams. Two like world-class, I saw Roy Keane's comments, world-class moments.
5:46They were. And we're going to go into, I'm sure, the pieces that May United around what they could have done to maybe nullify that. But you have to say sometimes when you're playing against teams and a player is in a groove and he just stepped up at that time and if you don't commit and you don't sort it out, you get punished. Yeah, I mean, we get all types of questions from the community members here on Rio Presents. What about this one from Phil? What short term defence changes can be made to stop the league's structure players signing in the transfer window? Well, I look at the two goals, right?
6:29And they were identical almost, right? And I saw Gary Neville broke down Lenny Oro in his comments and I totally agree. And when a fullback goes out there, that's why the right-hand side or left-hand side of the three needs to be comfortable going wide, need to understand how you approach players, where you approach them and timing. and the fact that Lenny let Morgan Rodgers get out there, turn, then build up momentum running at him, that's a sin in that position. If you've got a chance when he's running, you can see his number. You've got to get to him then as quick as you can. So when he turns, he sees you and goes, right, okay, I've got to produce magic here to get beyond you.
7:12He didn't have to do much to get past him. He had the momentum and then he just shifts it and then he can shoot. The second part of that, Yes, Lenny's got to get across quicker, identify and see the danger early and know what that situation means if he doesn't get there. He doesn't do that. Lenny Oro is ending on the back foot. Rodgers moves the ball and shifts it past him. But Ugarte's position, he's in a really good position, by the way. He's got to get out. You've got to smell the danger. You've got to know who you're playing against. It's Morgan Rodgers. He's in great form. He can shoot. He showed.
7:47Last week, he shot from 25, 30 yards. You've got, as that holding midfield player, it's no good just being in the right position there. You've got to see the situation, smell the danger and get out to it. He's got to become another obstacle. He wasn't. On both goals, identically, he was standing and just sitting there. The second one, I think Martinez maybe could have come across. But I think also he's probably waiting for a guy to step up as well. But I think you're a holding midfielder in that position there. If you're getting beat on the halfway line because you're out of position, and you can do all that because there's stuff behind you.
8:19But when someone's in and around your box, that's where you've got to get out to people. And that's where I look at Roy Keane. That's where he was great. Roy Keane, in that situation, senses danger first there and pushes people out of the way to get to that ball. And I'm looking at a guy going, come on, come on, get out, get up, get up, get up. Doesn't do it. And as I said, that's where, and I look at Jorreau and everyone's caning Jorreau and hammering him. I mean, yes, he should have seen danger, right? But sometimes you need your mates to get you out of the shit. And listen, I made mistakes in games.
8:54But then I had someone who was just there to clean it up and it wouldn't get highlighted sometimes. When you're just off it and you've made a little misjudgment of decisions or space or timing, you need a friend, a partner to sort you out and help you out in that situation. And Lenny Oro, in those two instances, although I'm not alleviating from any blame, doesn't get that. Steve Oh yeah I've got a lot to say on these Yeah I know So I think you're right I'll tell you it's We spoke about it last week Ryo About the lack of communication in that backline There's far Too casual a defending There's not enough aggressive movement Towards the ball Do you remember the John McGinn shot early doors?
9:43Yep We get broke on five against three for that. That's why John McGinn ends up being the one that they pass it to because he's the one in space. 5v3, mate, is absolutely criminal. Like, you'd have been throwing chairs around in that changing room at that. Just even conceding that shot, let alone if you conceded a goal from it. Then the one where we actually concede from, that's 3v3. There's no plus one there. There's nothing. and there's no red zone mentality about when anyone comes anywhere near the box like that. You're talking about Ugarte not moving, but should not the entire defensive line, like you're one of the best organizers I ever saw.
10:26Are you not trying to get that entire line to squeeze to the edge of the box? As soon as Roger turns around and starts moving backwards, are you not trying to squeeze that? No, no, you would try to. I don't think the whole line can squeeze in that moment, but I'm saying that there's individuals within that line that have to notice danger and smell it and come out because listen there are still other players around that they've got to be wary of so squeezing totally is going to be it's quite difficult in that situation but I do 100 % and this is what happens when you get two young inexperienced defenders playing in your back three Lenny Oro and Heaven and I wouldn't say that either are renowned yet in their careers for speaking and communicating and that's where then you've got to rely on Luke Shaw experienced Dallow Do you know where Luke Shaw was though?
11:15Go on Running back he only just about gets back into the box as Rodgers cuts back just before his shot like he that entire move starts in their half and it starts with Luke Shaw pressing ahead now at that moment we were playing a back four why is my centre half pushing forward that much? why is he not communicating to the central midfielders to do it? that's why Ugari is in the wrong position in the first place. Luke Shaw only just about gets back into the box for the shot. So like, there's no communication because the communicator is still chasing back. Like, the referee was beating him back half the time.
11:52It's not fucking good enough, Rio. No, no, no. I agree. It's not good enough at all. And people can sit and start talking about the manager and I see people getting onto the gaff, oh, the manager is. These are individual mistakes. These are individuals not identifying and smelling danger. simple as like he can do all he wants all training sessions on the grass all through the week right once you get onto the pitch players have got to go out and take responsibility for those situations now listen like I said Lenny Oro's a young kid young defender but he's got to learn quick he's got to see these things he's got to see these positions and these situations again centre half going out to wide areas that's not really what young centre halves have been brought up doing but he's now playing in a three on the right hand side where that's what he's got to be part of his game That's why I've always said, I like, that's why I love Carl Walker playing right-hand side of the three for England.
12:44That's why I love Luke Shaw playing on the left-hand side for United of the three. Them players are used to going out into wide areas in those situations. And trust me, those players defend that situation different. They identify it quicker. They smell that danger and go, I've got to get to him quicker. Don't let him turn. That was one of my things as a young kid. whenever the ball went in the channel and a moment when the strikers got there early and before me I can't amble out there as a centre half you can't amble you've got to judge the timing and get out there really quick and then on engagement when you're getting closer slow your feet down, get low ready for when he wants to start shifting it but the big key thing is if you can get there quick enough before he turns so he can't build up momentum and speed where he's in the driving seat otherwise you've got no control of that situation you have to try and work ways in situations quick milliseconds to make sure that you're the controller of the situation more often than not and the best defenders do that Joe what's frustrating me is that we actually look quite good with the ball going forward yeah with the ball yeah I have confidence that this United team is not going to get nilled no matter who we play like I feel like we're going to score a goal I feel like we're going to create chances I thought Cunha was clashed yesterday Roy Keane said a couple of things that I was just completely nodding with one, Kuna looks like a Manchester United player looks like he gets it looks like he's comfortable with that pressure and the other thing was we are too easy to play against simple like United are just far too easy to play against Steve, how long have we been saying that though?
14:16How long have we been saying that we're too easy on a transition to play against with like a hot knife through butter at times? This is easier to fix than getting good at scoring goals though. I actually think that some of the players aren't good enough in understanding outside out of possession especially got to go then simple no if you can't do it and like for instance Anderson's a good example of this right Anderson who we had at United in our day defensively didn't have a clue what to do right but you've got players around him who are trying to help him who are talking him and bringing him through I don't see enough of that here and we never got that perfectly right with Anderson because they just weren't in his nature to be defensively minded.
15:03He tried his nuts off. He worked hard at it, right? Did he complete it in the end? You'd probably say, no, he didn't complete it, but it wasn't for the one to try. But my point is more, there's players that are giving time and effort during the 90 minutes to help him through those situations. But Rio, can Euro be coached to be better at that specific job? Lenny Euro, heaven, all the young defenders, Any young defender can be coached. I am absolutely the living example of that. I was a forward-thinking, attack-minded young defender. All I wanted to do and all I thought about, even when I got into the first team at West Ham, I would judge my performances on how many times I took the forward on with the ball.
15:46How many times I dropped skills. I'd come into the players' lounge, all my mates are there, and I'd walk in, no matter the score, we could have got beat 3-1, and I'd go, first thing I'm saying, do you see that bit of skill? Do you see that bit of skill at the forward? about oh my god that's how we that's how i used to talk i had to be coached and then i had to be like a young sponge and really fixate my mind on defending and who gripped you someone must have gripped you for that i'll tell you who was good for me really good ian dowie so i used to play against him in training he used to ragdoll me everywhere because he was like three or four stone heavier than me couldn't in the small games i couldn't get and couldn't get away from him once he got his hands on me he would just throw me everywhere so I had to work out ways in which to play against him but he used to always say to me Rio in that situation there what Lenny done yesterday I used to do that all the time as a kid or I would just I'd wait and then I'd just sprint over there and then I'd just hopefully 1v1 depend on my 1v1 skills he used to say to me Rio you have to sprint don't cheat yourself sprint into those areas either to get there first or if you're behind the player attacking player sprint so that he can't turn and gather momentum and get speed up any player you play against he could be slow if he's running at pace against you he's in control and it can be lights out right so you've got you've got to work out ways in which you're going to maintain the power in any situation and so he used to always say it to me and i used to i used to i was coming from a game think of favor i said rio what about them two incidents there in the second half day you just ambled over and he's opened you up one of them and the other one you got aware of it ain't good enough top teams don't do that Man United don't do that that's what he says to me all the time and it got into my head so and also going into a game so I look at people like I've said this about Trent Lenny Oro will be the same young a young Varane like all these young younger players I used to think about and watch I used to always think Salivas I used to think these guys are so good on the ball and so comfortable with the ball they don't have to think about what they do with the ball so their pre-match thought process should be purely about keeping clean sheets and how I'm going to do that.
17:54My personal battle with that player, my duels, my 1v1 moments, protecting the channel, when I push in, when I stand off, those are the things that you should be going through your head night before a game, morning of a game. Everything else with the balls, you're just too natural, you don't have to worry about it. That's how I became a better defender and fought defensive first over skill. Right man, we've got loads still to come on this pod, but we'll be back shortly after this.
18:23Is your kid's birthday coming up? Don't stress the prep. The Party Shop at Michaels is your one-stop shop for everything from bluey to rodeo. Transform your space into a birthday wonderland with dream-worthy tablescapes and decor starting at 99 cents. Plus, get free helium inflation on select balloon styles. Whether you're crafting a one-of-a-kind bash or grabbing the essentials, Michaels has everything to make their big day legendary. Shop now and order ahead for delivery or in-store pickup. Michaels, everything to celebrate anything. Hi, it's Paige from Giggly Squad, and this episode is sponsored by Experian Boost.
19:01Summer glow up? Check. Credit glow up? Even better. Boost your credit scores instantly by getting credit for bills you're already paying. Your phone, utilities, rent, and insurance. I wish dating kind of worked like that. Connect your bank account, add those on-time payments to your Experian credit file, and your FICO score updates right away. You could instantly raise your FICO score by an average of 14 points with Experian Boost. Download the Experian app for free today. Results will vary. Users who received a boost improved their FICO score 8 from Experian by an average of 14 points. See App Store or Experian.com for details.
19:39Results will vary. Not all payments are Boost eligible. Users who received a boost improved their FICO score rate from Experian by an average of 14 points. Some may not see improved scores or approval odds. Not all lenders use Experian credit files, and not all lenders use scores impacted by Experian Boost. See Experian.com for details.
19:58Speaking about young players, Rio, last week, Kobe Mainu's brother was seen wearing a free Kobe t-shirt, and he posted it on Instagram. Now, obviously, Kobe Mainu, he was said to be injured. that's why he didn't play yesterday. But Ruben Amaran was then asked about it in the press conference regarding the T-shirt. And he mentioned some of your comments. Did you see the interview and what did you make of it all? Yeah, I saw the manager's interview. I actually thought he handled it really well. I've got to be honest. And I look at it a couple of ways. I've been one of the legend players that they're referring to that's talked about maybe Kobe going.
20:35My thing with that, right, I'm always here for saying young player sit down shut up and work see where that gets you right because you're at the best club in the world right see where it gets you Kobe Maynard's situation is a little bit different in the sense that he's gone and got his rewards he's been on the world stage playing for England been one of the better players in the tournament comes back and now for the last 18 months he's out can't get in the team right I sit there and go is he working hard enough in the behind the scenes as he asked the manager as the manager come to him and said to him right this is what you need to do to get in the team?
21:10Is he doing that to the best of his abilities and is he giving it a million percent? Is he doing everything off the field to put him in the best position, right? If all of them things are being done, the biggest thing the question mark is still is, is the manager giving him enough moments, chances, if he's doing all of those things right? Now, if he isn't, that's when I say Kobe Manu's got to look for a new club. He should be looking for a new club. I would. I'm doing everything you've asked and I'm still not getting any looks, right? Or I'm not getting 20 minutes, 30 minutes here, at least to start throwing my hat in the ring.
21:42But we don't know what's gone on behind the scenes. Kobe Maynou might not be doing what the manager's asking to the level that he wants. Well, when you look at the quote from him, when he says, my door's always open, no one's coming and asking me, is it not fair to say that Casemiro was on the naughty step last season? Casemiro clearly figured out either asked or just worked his way back into the team and now he's playing at a level where when we don't have him, we don't win games. Yeah, so if that's the case and Kobe's not been knocking down his door going, what do I need to do? Tell me, help me, where, where, where.
22:15He's doing himself a disservice. Kobe Manu's not doing enough then because you're a young kid. You've got to just, you know what? Boss, come on, man, please. I want to play. How do I get in this team? What do I need to do? And it's only Kobe that can tell us this. Kobe's the only person who can sit down and go, Ree, listen, I've asked the manager loads of times. he's told me what I need to do I'm doing it every week in training I'm busting my balls but I ain't getting a sniff and by the way it's the captain who's in front of me I ain't going to get a sniff am I? or is there anywhere else I can play on the team or whatever these are the questions you need answers to before you can say it's this or it's that we're all assuming but I would say like the young players nowadays I think they expect more way way quicker than what we expected when we were going in and around the teams has he not screwed himself here potentially or you know as his brother not screwed him potentially here because that happens on monday bruno fernandez who never gets injured literally gets injured yesterday kobi maynew would have been let's presume that he's he is injured right i personally don't buy that he's injured the same way i didn't buy that marcus rashford was ill prior to him going on loan i feel like it's the exact same scenario just being played out again right agreed that i just I don't believe the coincidental timing of it in the slightest I feel like they've agreed you can go either on loan or on permanent and we'll just say you're injured rather than kicking up more of a fuss and potentially losing United a little bit more on the fee for whatever reason but has this not completely ended any chance that Kobe had because if he hadn't have done that on Monday he's literally starting the next game because Bruno's out it depends on the individual so when we saw Garnacho he seemed to me like he was all up for the bravado as well, alongside whoever was leaking or whatever.
24:10Whereas I look at Kobe Manu and I see him as a, as a different individual where he's heads down from what I can tell. So I think there's always a door open when, yeah, maybe someone's made a mistake, but you can always work your way back in Rio. I'll give you the floor. There's, I think again, there's, you've got to look at this. No, there's not just one way and that's it. Hey, look at this. I think Kobe Manu's brother, if that was, I look at it like, if that was my brother, right? and my brother went and done that on one hand i'm sitting there going do you know what that's my bro you know like and he's looking out for me and i love that but this is my fucking battle i don't need no one shouting for me and definitely not publicly like that right and if you're going to do that if you haven't asked me and you've gone and done that on your own we're gonna have to have a conversation because i ain't into that name you're putting me in a bad position in my changing room I don't want that right my biggest problem would be that if Kobe Manu's known that's coming out his brother's gone and printed the shirt and his brother's shown him and said bro this is what I'm going to be putting on and posing for at Old Trafford just so you know and Kobe's gone you know what I'm cool with that it's fine then I don't agree with that way of thinking but listen you have to say at the same time if this gets Kobe Manu a move at Christmas then as a family they're sitting there going you know what we've done what we needed to do guys because nothing was changing up until this point.
25:30So you've got to see it from both ways. Yeah, but do you know what the issue with that is? And I hear what you're saying and yeah, it might get him to move, but I don't, you see Kobi Meynu, one of the best things about him when he was playing for England and he was doing really well for Man United, you could see that he was coming through. And for me, it was his attitude. You can see he was a hardworking person that determined to be there. I don't want his image to be tainted because of it, because it's very easy to be slapped with the troublemaker's stick because of something like that. No, I'm sorry, I don't agree.
26:00I don't agree. Your career's too short to be the nice guy 24-7. If shit ain't moving, that's what I'm saying. I'm just speaking hypothetically here. If stuff is not happening and he's asking and he's asked a question many times, I want to go, I'm not getting minutes. Don't forget, he's been sitting there 80 months, right? I'm not saying this, I'm just saying just hypothetically. If he's sitting there going, listen, where's my game time? I'm doing all I can. Rare, rare, rare. And this is his last straw. No, but there's a better way, Rio. this doesn't have to be his last draw I'd rather you come out and say you know I'd rather he say it himself instead of have his brother make the national headlines because he's wearing a free Kobe t-shirt that's stupid maybe he's not eloquent enough to talk and say that and he needs someone to speak for him you've got to look at these are young kids bro you're alright saying that you're in your 30s bro these are young kids who are playing and we're expecting them to be able to manage every situation perfectly These people are emotional.
26:57It's emotional being involved in this situation. You're seeing your brother getting mistreated in your eyes, given what he's done. Yeah. The last thing I'm doing is going to wear a free my brother T-shirt. I wouldn't do it. I just want to state that as well. I wouldn't do this. I'm not saying you said you would. I'm just saying, yeah, that there's better ways of going. I'd rather speak for myself and say, I'm Joel Baer and I'm not happy here. I want to get a loan move alright then they can criticise I'd rather put out a tweet like Sancho for goodness sake do you know what I mean end of the day you know what they need to do Joel you know what they need to do they need to ring me come on Rio Meats and just discuss it and say I'm not happy here I'm not happy here just tell you and let you put out what's actually going on there yeah do you know what the frustrating thing is I've never seen a teenage player come through at United with 12 years of experience on them the way Kobe did He had game intelligence that you can't buy, but the off-field intelligence that comes from his agent and from his family is fucking embarrassing.
28:02For someone that's clearly an intelligent footballer, everyone around him seems thick as fuck. Like, that's the frustrating part of this, is because this could have been managed and handled so much better. And I don't see a way back for him. Amirim seems like the type, a little bit like Sir Alex, that as soon as you've crossed a certain line, that is you on the north step permanently and you are gone. there's no way coming back and I feel like he's already down that road now because of this week when he didn't need to be that way the last thing I would say on that if he gets a move at Christmas and he weren't looking like he was getting a move to the summer after this episode trust me behind the scenes the family will be doing high fives and they'll be going this is what we needed to do guys we've got what we wanted because we weren't getting what we wanted at Man United we're going to have to agree to disagree with that no no no you're saying the wrong thing you're saying the wrong thing Joe I don't agree with going down that way I just said to you if it was my brother I wouldn't be happy with that yeah but everybody deals their situations differently especially when there's family involved emotions involved as well so you know what I'll be honest with you Amorim is trying to be consistent with what he said in his press conference he said that he needs to see more from young players and you know what he actually brought on two youngsters Darren Fletcher's son actually played his name's Jack Fletcher Jack Fletcher Jack Fletcher and Che Lacey Shea Lacey came on as well.
29:24It was good to see them play, man. It really was. Yeah, you know what? I just want to shout out the Fletcher family because I think I've obviously played alongside Darren, known the family, even Darren's parents as well for years and just seeing the amount of hard work that's gone into it, the love and care that they've got in the family and the two boys. I mean, great young kids, massive WWE fans as kids. Fletcher used to always show us videos and that of them just doing mad stuff in the house but they've grown up Manchester United kids they were at City for a while to be honest and they only came in about I think two years ago into the system at United but it's been the move has been justified one of them's got a debut and what a feeling that must be man I sent Fletcher a message earlier actually just about what that must feel as a family and the congrats that they need and what a surreal moment for a family to have your kid walk out for Man United and as a parent that's played for Man United as well yeah Jack's got I mean it's funny because he plays nothing like his dad.
30:23He's a little bit more advanced. He's almost a bit like Cole Palmer-ish, quite a silky sort of attacking midfielder, like totally nothing like his dad, which was just graft, defending, battles. I thought he was quiet, Jack. He couldn't really get into the game as much. He was kind of in the air a fair bit. Shea Lacey, though, loved the first instinct that the second he got any opportunity was cut inside and bang one. And for a split second after he hit it, I saw it flying in I was like ah it's going in and he didn't obviously straight to the keeper but that's that's what you want is to see him he didn't do this the other week when we had the opportunity but that's what you want we're losing you've got no attacking talent on the bench first team like give these kids a chance they rarely let you down I don't know what it is Rio maybe you know like you've got an insight into this but like just how many youngsters come on and make their debuts they seem to all just go through whether it's Makeda James Wilson Josh Harrop Angel Gomez like it doesn't matter who it is they seem to just have that first three four five games where Yannis I even like everything just looks incredible off them they bring this freshness this excitement and then I don't know when they start getting more responsibilities in the team and they don't handle it but like I don't ever think you see bad debuts from youngsters I think they always go and impress yeah a lot of the time but you know what it is a lot of the time because they're not overthinking it it's fearlessness that goes out onto that pitch so you're not worried about the enormity of what you're doing you go out there as a young kid you're not really understanding what you're doing the magnitude of it and you just go and play yeah you're nervous but as a young kid a lot of them get to that stage because they've been able to deal with nerves at different stages and they've always felt good enough the biggest problem you have as to why some of those players don't maintain it is because a lot of them have been the best players in their teams growing up and they've always had it's been positive positive positive you get into the first team and reality kicks in.
32:19You're going to get knockbacks, sit on the bench, you ain't good enough for this team, he's better than you. Some of them haven't realised or seen this and they've got to mentally deal with all of this and it's those who survive those moments best, keep on improving, stay with it, but get through to Manchester United level. There is a way that some of them do make it a little bit lower down the leagues and at different places, but there's a lot that goes into being a player that goes into just makes a David but stays there. Alright, cool. So we have to move on to Arsenal. Still top of the league they were looking at us after City won oh you know City are back now you know they won 3-0 it's over you're going to be second for the rest of the season lo and behold we go away against Everton and we do the job yeah I thought you done well listen Everton's a hard place to go it's not good at something anymore I know but they're still making it hard for people I think there are them type of games are what Everton are set up for David Moyers and Everton team to kind of burst people's bubbles and I think that they they set up they made it hard for you lot but I thought you lot put in a really professional workman-like performance and and I think also people have to understand the type of pressure you go in there with the city pressure right in the noise being loud in your ears being able to deal with that in that situation right now because we all knew if they got beat or they drew that game coming on here for you and all the other content creators in in in the world would have been a long morning for all of you a long afternoon a long evening because because of the way you guys carry yourself you guys are on the hook to get smashed up if you drop points and if you look like you're not going to win i just don't agree that it's an hard place to go they played nine games they only won four no no in that type of situation but everton are renowned for making it tough for people david moyes everton gritty tough we found it hard there many times that's what he has about his shitter make it tough that's his whole life like that's david moore's life motto make it just like that's that's what he's that's what he exists to do but yeah well done you beat everton scruffily yeah but you know what sometimes i think rio's right man sometimes you need to just go away and do the job you know and i thought even though it was one nil i didn't feel at any time as if they put us under any pressure.
34:39You know, I think if anything, we could have been a little bit more clinical. We hit the post twice. So the only worry about that game, if I'm honest with you, is that City are scoring at an alarming rate. And if it gets down to goal difference, we ain't in it at all, you know. And that's all I can say. I mean, Bakaya Sacco himself, he said, we're in control now. When asked about the title race, how much do you believe when he says that, Rio? because he don't believe it no I think it's a bit like when I said the man of the people you know when you get it wrong when you just the cameras are there and the mics there sometimes you didn't get that wrong Rio you know when you get you know when you get things wrong like it came out not the way it was in your head right I think that's probably one of those situations because listen the moment that City won the game 3-0 you're feeding straight away Arsenal 4 we ain't in control right now we need to try and get back some control like some form of control they've got some form of control but I think Bakayo all the players that are involved in this situation they all know that right now it's topsy-turvy it's momentum shifts are going to be happening all the way through the end of this season now because both teams are now in a bit of form City have hit a bit of form and scoring goals like you say at a crazy rate so Haaland's looking to break new records again like it ain't it ain't going to be easy so the word control in terms of the title race for any team right now I don't think can be said.
36:10I think that and the biggest thing they've got they look like they can control games that's what's better. Joe why? Because I don't think they've played well in about a month. I agree. That's not true. We've played very well against Bayern Munich. Your camera's off Joe. That's because he's laughing at himself when he says that that's why. Because he don't believe it as much as he don't believe it. but January to January, Arsenal rack up like the most amount of points at that time. And they did it all the time. And you won cock all. Like, it's mad impressive how you're able to like rack up wins.
36:47Do you know what I saw yesterday? And it's true. Someone said, Richarlison's got like the best catalogue of meaningless goals ever. It's true. Right? And I agree. It's a great observation, by the way. But listen, you guys are laughing and doing your kiki kakas at Arsenal being top here, etc. but I genuinely do think this year is different. Have you seen Pep come out and say that he's still not happy with how his team's playing? Yeah, I think he's performing again. I mean, that's what a winner does. You wouldn't understand. Nah, he's performing, man. You know how I feel about Pep when he does things like that.
37:20He loves to come out, starts chatting here and there. I saw him post-match, you know, just doing all of this, directing, as if, you know, he knows exactly what he's doing. Do it in the changing room. I've been in situations where the manager's gone out and he's said things and he's gone, yeah, we're not happy with that. We've got a lot of injuries and I'm a bit concerned maybe about the way things are. Loads of games coming up as well. And he comes back into the changing room and goes, guys, we've got Sanso coming up next and then we're going to beat them. I'm going to shuffle the pack, shuffle the team.
37:54But I don't expect any drop in performance or any other level at all. But the perception outside is maybe a bit different. I think Pep's being a bit like that, I think. He's being a bit coy. He's trying to make everyone feel that we're still hungry. And I think those type of comments probably scare people. When they see him banging teams 3-0, Haaland banging two, getting an assist in the game, and he's coming out and going, I'm dissatisfied, I'm still not happy. I ain't satisfied with what we're doing. That's scary for other teams. Don't scare me. Don't scare me because I know he's performing.
38:24I'm with the Bakayo Saka mindset, Rio. Listen, hey, we're in control. Do what you want. as long as we're winning don't matter if it's 3-0 or 1-0 we're still top of the league and we've been here before so why should I fear something when I've seen it happen three times already in a row whoa whoa whoa that's up to confidence because what you've seen you've crumbled why yeah exactly you've apple crumbled well you've been here before and you've seen your team apple crumbled that's why I feel that Saka can't really genuinely be standing there going off we're in control not when you've got that beast hanging about do you know what I mean only minutes before they were top of the league above you like this team have back to back they've won four on the bounce when you've been sitting there playing do you know what I mean you've led the league for many months and you've seen this team come out of nowhere and then blitz you like so to feel that you're feeling in control right now given what you've been through with them and the heartache that they've given you I think that's probably the wrong words I don't I think it's a mindset thing and I think Bakaya Bakaya has a but Kaya has a different mindset.
39:29I really genuinely do believe that. I think it's how you choose to see things. I actually hope he's right. I hope they do have control and they are thinking like that. Here we go. I do. You get onto us. It's like a cycle, isn't it? You get onto us, you poke us, you put us down and then you go, oh, but I want Arsenal to win. Joel, Joel, Joel. Who do I want to win? Arsenal or City? Who do you genuinely really think I want to win? I don't think you care. I think you just want the best entertainment as much as possible. That's what you want. Seeing City wins, I hate it. Seeing Liverpool win, I detest it.
40:03If Arsenal won it, I wouldn't like it. Just because of some of the fans, right? But I'd be much more satisfied with that. Guys, quick one before we go, yeah? Are we seeing a Liverpool resurgence at the moment? What? What, now I've got tingled. This finish is showing up. No, because, like, I'm looking at the table, yeah? They're 10 points behind us, right? And obviously, they're winning games now they're above you now and it's just like Joel we're Gash Crystal Palace are above us aren't they we're Gash but they could make we are not the benchmark for anything except being shit Joel I hear you but they could make Champions League you know so could we they're going to make Champions League Louisville will make Champions League that's how totally insane this league is this year and meanwhile you're still not going to win it like You have never had A freer hit than this This is a more free hit Than AJ had at the weekend Against your man Right This is such an absolute Tapping of a victory And you're still Going to box it up Alright Has boxing become WWE?
41:09Yeah Don't matter Collect your 90 mil Go home Yeah I'm buzzing for AJ Go on collect it Go on collect it How much did Did J. Paul get Paid for that? I think about 160 Yeah something like that I'll get my jaw broke For that amount you can break my jaw every day a year for that like yeah I'll take that I'll take that as well I'm in yeah just to finish just to finish by the way we didn't really talk about him we talked about Manchester United Morgan Rodgers is on a run right now you know some players have runs in their career I don't think he's on that I think he's scoring some big goals I don't think he's a good player you don't think he's a good player?
41:48nope steam wow I think he's got a touch of the guy nachos about him where he's got the spectacular in him. I don't think he's got sustainability in him. Steve, man, you need to stop trying to be outright sometimes. I'm just giving you my opinions. Don't get me wrong. I don't think he's a good player. It's an awful shout. An absolutely awful shout. I don't think he's the level people are talking about. I can deal with that. I don't think he's a good player. Shut up, Steve. No, no, no. I saw world-class moments. I saw a magical moment. Yes. And I saw the same amount of Garnaccio at times and he's shitting on.
42:33Nah, but Steve, you're being a little bit harsh there. Rio, in my opinion, because I know you're still flabbergasted there by that comment. I still reckon for England, he's still not ahead of Jude. He's still not ahead of a fully fit Cole Palmer. If he starts because Cole Palmer has not played as much. Scott. No, Rob, what I'm saying is, either way, he ain't better than the other boys ahead of him. He's not. I'll tell you what he's doing. Yeah. Pressure. He's making them stand up and look over their shoulder if they're ahead of him. Mm-hmm. Pressure, FC. Steve. This leaves Steve. Don't even talk to Steve about this no more.
43:13It's a disgusting comment. Nah. Let's finish the show. Joe, wrap it up, man. Let us know what you think. Is Morgan Rodgers a good player? that's all I want you guys to let us know in the comments Rio thank you very much for the Rio meets you really really surprised us all there with the Bruno Finanje interview did a great job and your shoes were banging real style right there guys let us know who else cheers man let us know who else you want to see on the show press the like share comment and subscribe button and Merry Christmas we have so much content coming out we've actually also done a half season review for Manchester United and of course yours truly Arsenal.
43:50So please make sure you turn on your notifications for that. Keep on watching the channel. Joel Baer, Stephen Housen, Rio Ferdinand, signing out. Peace.
44:18is your kid's birthday coming up don't stress the prep the party shop at michael's is your one-stop shop for everything from bluey to rodeo. Transform your space into a birthday wonderland with dream-worthy tablescapes and decor starting at 99 cents. Plus, get free helium inflation on select balloon styles. Whether you're crafting a one-of-a-kind bash or grabbing the essentials, Michaels has everything to make their big day legendary. Shop now and order ahead for delivery or in-store pickup. Michaels, everything to celebrate anything.
After a busy week for Ruben Amorim following Kobbie Mainoo’s brother protesting about the lack of playing time and/or opportunities to move away from the club and a defeat at Aston Villa, Rio is joined by Ste and Joel to dissect those points and the title race.
Rio admits Kobbie is doing himself “a disservice” if he isn’t getting onto the manager asking how he can get into the team and discusses with Ste whether there is a way back for the England midfielder at Old Trafford.
Morgan Rogers had two game defining “world class moments” and after one of the trio admit they don’t see what the fuss is all about, Rio breaks down the goals and analyses who and what should have done better.
There’s some advice for (and a defence of) Leny Yoro, admission that some of the current squad “aren’t good enough” to cope with the defensive demands at Manchester United and a warning for Bukayo Saka who said that Arsenal were “in control” of the title race as they spend Christmas at the top of the table.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.






