By Phil Haigh

Copyright metro

Manchester United hero Rio Ferdinand worries for a new Red Devils signing (Picture: Getty Images)

Rio Ferdinand was frustrated watching Manchester United’s performance in derby defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, but felt particularly worried for one struggling star.

It was a comfortable 3-0 victory for Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad at the weekend, with Phil Foden opening the scoring and Erling Haaland netting twice in the second half.

The Red Devils did create some opportunities, with Bryan Mbeumo forcing a stunning save from Gianluigi Donnarumma with a brilliant volley and then missing a very decent chance from close range.

However, it was ultimately a pretty routine outing for City, who pounced on defensive frailties in their local rivals.

Ferdinand watched Haaland look clinical in front of goal for the hosts, but feared for Manchester United’s centre-forward, who was not given much of an opportunity to show off his finishing skills.

The 22-year-old made his first Premier League start since his £73m move from RB Leipzig and it was a forgettable outing for the Slovenian as he failed to threaten in front of Donnarumma’s goal.

Ferdinand is not laying the blame at the forward’s feet for that, instead fearing for his future if his teammates cannot fashion chances for him.

Benjamin Sesko made little impact against Manchester City (Picture: Getty Images)

‘The one I’m worried about is (Benjamin) Sesko,’ the former defender said on Rio Ferdinand Presents. ‘He ain’t getting no chances, he ain’t getting no opportunities, there’s nothing created for him.

‘That’s the concern. A new striker comes in the football club, gets in the team, you’ve got to think about creating chances for him.

‘Getting him on the end of things. He’s got to think about getting on the end of things. That’s something I think has got to be looked at, and fixed quick. I don’t want to think about what it could turn out to be.’

Sesko is still looking for his first Manchester United goal (Picture: Getty Images)

Ferdinand reckons there is no ability to unlock a defence in United’s team outside of Bruno Fernandes, who was deployed in a deeper role at the Etihad.

The Red Devils’ defending also came in for criticism, in fact, that is the area that is concerning Ferdinand most.

‘It’s depressing watching United like that,’ he said. ‘The way we allowed them to get in and get goals and get opportunities – it was weak, it was powderpuff, it just lacked anything.

‘I thought in the first-half, we pressed them quite well, and we had possession at times, got in the final third, and there was zero creativity. Without Bruno you’re looking at it going, who else is going to create something? Mbeumo? But there’ s no real guile.

Ruben Amorim is under mounting pressure at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Defensively, I thought that was the most concerning thing. I’ve been quite complimentary about the defenders and the way we’ve defended it at times this season, but I thought it was like a hot knife through butter. it was too easy.’

Amorim accepted that his team’s display was not enough to compete with Manchester City as he suffered his 16th defeat in 31 Premier League games as United boss.

‘The performance was not good enough. In the decisive moments, they were better than us,’ Amorim told Sky Sports.

‘I’m trying to be rational about it. I’ve seen the record. I understand the frustration, and I accept any decisions that come from it. I take the criticism. That’s all I can do.’

Ruben Amorim’s Premier League wins

2025/26
Aug 30: Man Utd 3-2 Burnley

May 25: Man Utd 2-0 Aston Villa
Mar 16: Leicester 0-3 Man Utd
Feb 26: Man Utd 3-2 Ipswich
Jan 26: Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
Jan 16: Man Utd 3-1 Southampton
Dec 15: Man City 1-2 Man Utd
Dec 01: Man Utd 4-0 Everton

Yet again, Amorim’s insistence on playing his beloved 3-4-3 system came in for criticism as United fell comfortably short, but he is not about to change his tune.

‘There are many things behind the scenes that people are not aware of, but I accept that,’ he said. ‘I will only change my philosophy when I want to change it. If not, you have to change the manager.

‘We have this discussion after every loss, but I don’t believe the problem is the system. I will stick to my way of playing until I decide otherwise.’