Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was unimpressed with Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire following the club’s dramatic Premier League defeat to Chelsea.
The Red Devils had a poor start at Stamford Bridge last night and they were two goals down in the 19th minute. The club made a terrific comeback to secure a 3-2 lead, but the Blues had the last laugh.
Palmer put the Blues level from the penalty spot in the 100th minute and just moments later, he bagged an unlikely winner after he was afforded a free shot from just inside the box.
Speaking after the game, Ferdinand was unimpressed with Fernandes and Maguire and said that the duo should have shown more leadership by asking players to close down Palmer.
He told TNT Sports: “It happens to all players, [to] the best players. But, then you need someone in your team that has a clear head, that points and shouts and drags people about to get out to him (Palmer).”
“You know what you do in that situation? You look, at a corner, a set piece, at that moment in the last stage of the game, who’s their best at heading the ball? Get him.
“Harry Maguire’s in there you’ve got Bruno, they’re leaders, they’re big characters, big experienced players. You need to find someone to do that.
“He (Palmer), can’t be getting in that space at that stage of the game after scoring two and, for most parts of the game, being the most dominant Chelsea player on the pitch. You’ve got to identify that.”
United have been far from convincing in a defensive point of view this season. They were fortuitous against Brentford last weekend and could have easily lost the game.
The club were deservedly ahead against the Blues last night, but Diogo Dalot handed the incentive to the hosts by conceding a needless penalty during the closing minutes.
At 3-3, United should have settled for a point, but the urge to find the winner meant that they were defensively vulnerable and could have conceded before the corner.
As Ferdinand said, the senior players should have shown more leadership. Palmer has been Chelsea’s main attacking threat and someone should have man-marked him at the end.
United looked on course for a Champions League boost at one stage, but they ended up suffering a shock defeat out of the blue. A top-four/five finish looks distant at the moment.
Hopefully, we will see a strong response from the players when arch-rivals Liverpool make the trip to Old Trafford. Another defeat could lead to serious doubts over Erik ten Hag’s position.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
