Rio Ferdinand has warned Manchester United’s defenders that they need to ‘step up’ or risk another humiliating defeat at Liverpool.
United head to Anfield this evening (Tuesday) as they look to give their top four hopes a major boost. Ralf Rangnick’s side find themselves back in the running after beating Norwich on Saturday, while Tottenham and Arsenal both slipped up.
They face a huge test of their credentials for fourth on Merseyside tonight, though. Liverpool remain in the hunt for an historic quadruple this season, having beaten Manchester City in their FA Cup semi-final at the weekend.
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United will, of course, be looking for some revenge following their humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of Jurgen Klopp’s men earlier in the season. Their hosts though will be strong favourites as they look to move to the top of the table for at least 24 hours.
And having seen United almost allow Norwich back into the game on Saturday, Ferdinand is wary of the threat Liverpool will pose to the visitors’ shaky back line. The former defender delivered a stern warning to his old side, insisting they could face another thrashing unless they improve.
“Every week you can go back and have a look, they’re (United) like Jekyll and Hyde. Great one minute, poor the next,” Ferdinand told his Vibe With FIVE YouTube channel.
“Individual mistakes, decision-making when we’re defending, you can point at every single player. They’re making mistakes that then has a domino effect, and then the whole back four unit and the midfielders in front become so disjointed that it’s impossible to defend.
“With that in mind, you’ve got Liverpool coming up as well, and you just think if you play like that, we will get pumped four or five. They have to step up. If we’re to compete with a team like Liverpool right now, we need to liven right up. Just do your jobs man.”
Ferdinand added: “I wouldn’t even do a team talk for Liverpool. You do all your work during the week, get to the game and say ‘listen boys, that’s it’. What more do you need to hear than those guys out there who are going to be screaming for you.”
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