Man Utd lacking three key ingredients says Rio Ferdinand after losing to Spurs

Manchester United legends Rio Ferdinand and Gary Pallister have given damning assessments of the team’s performance and direction.

Speaking on TNT Sports after the loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham, Ferdinand didn’t hold back in describing the current state of the squad and the club.

“Let’s be honest — this season has been a disaster,” Ferdinand said. “This final was a chance to reset, to restore some belief. But United didn’t show any real cutting edge.

"We’ve seen the same issues over and over again — no identity, no threat, no urgency.”

Ferdinand highlighted the complete lack of attacking output in Bilbao, where United finished with 73% possession but only one shot on target.

He questioned whether the result — and the manner of the defeat — could impact United’s ability to attract top signings this summer.

“If I’m Matheus Cunha watching that? I’m asking serious questions. Is this the right move for me? Is there a plan?” he added.

Meanwhile, Gary Pallister, a four-time Premier League winner with United, voiced his concern over the direction of the club under INEOS, despite the new leadership promising long-term change.

“It’s one of the worst seasons I’ve seen since Sir Alex retired,” Pallister told AS. “There’s no consistency, no cohesion — and I don’t know if the players really believe in the project yet.”

He also warned that unless significant changes are made, United risk falling even further behind their rivals.

“You can’t have another season like this. I don’t care if it’s a transition — the standards at Manchester United are higher than this. The club needs to be ruthless,” he said

Both legends agreed that Rúben Amorim should be given time, but emphasized the need for a clear transfer strategy and urgent improvements in leadership on the pitch.

“You can back the manager, but if the players aren’t leaders, it won’t matter,” Ferdinand concluded.

With no Champions League football and a toxic end to the season, the message from United’s former stars is clear: change must come — fast.