Rio Ferdinand says Keane or Giggs would be unable to shine with Man Utd's problems

Manchester United legends Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane have delivered stinging verdicts on the club’s current state, with both suggesting even the greats of the past would struggle to flourish under the present conditions.

Speaking at a recent fan event, Ferdinand claimed that the tactical setup and lack of stability under Ruben Amorim would make life difficult for any player—past or present.

“It is hard to be under that pressure where you can't see a result coming around the corner or where you can't see consistency. All of us would struggle here,” Ferdinand said, referring to himself, Keane, Ryan Giggs, and Nemanja Vidic.

His remarks sparked debate, with pundit Simon Jordan responding that such players would never allow the club to sink into its current malaise. Jordan argued that the mentality of United’s golden era is precisely what’s missing now.

Keane, meanwhile, has been a consistent critic of the team’s mentality and performances. Following a flat 0–0 draw with Manchester City earlier this year, the former captain branded United “average at everything”, lamenting the lack of conviction and leadership.

“You need players who will roll their sleeves up. Too many are happy to drift through games hoping for luck,” Keane said.

In a separate interview, Keane warned the club had “a bit to go before reaching rock bottom”, questioning Amorim’s influence and the dressing room’s resilience. His comments reflect concerns that United still lack a clear direction despite significant investment in new signings this summer.

The criticism comes alongside Marcus Rashford’s recent claim that United are stuck in “no man’s land” due to constant managerial turnover and a lack of long-term planning—highlighting a growing consensus among insiders and former players that cultural and structural issues remain unresolved.

As United prepare for their Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 17, the voices of Ferdinand, Keane, and Rashford echo a familiar warning: without strong leadership, clear identity, and consistent performances, even the most talented squads—and perhaps even the club’s greatest icons—would struggle to restore Manchester United to its former glory.