Rio Ferdinand: 'You can't keep switching centre-backs every week at Man Utd'

Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand says there is too much chopping and changing by manager Rúben Amorim to the defence.

Speaking on his Vibe with FIVE podcast, Ferdinand was blunt about United’s constant rotation at the back.

“You can’t keep switching centre-backs every week and expect stability. Partnerships are about trust. At United right now, defenders are going in and out, even within games, and that unsettles everyone,” he said.

He referenced the importance of consistency in title-winning teams. “Look at the best sides — they have a backbone that doesn’t change. At Arsenal, you had Tony Adams and Martin Keown, at Chelsea you had Terry and Carvalho. Right now, United don’t have that continuity,” he said.

The ex-defender also questioned whether Amorim’s tactical philosophy suits the current squad.

“His system demands energy, mobility, real intensity. I’m not sure this group has the capacity to do that week in, week out. You see moments when they just can’t sustain it, and that’s when gaps appear,” he said.

Despite his criticisms, Ferdinand urged patience and support for the new manager.

He continued: “I like Amorim, I really do. He’s brave, he has principles, and he’s trying to change things properly. But we have to be realistic — it’s not going to click overnight. If United want identity and structure again, they need to give him time, even if results are up and down.”

Ferdinand also acknowledged the pressure of Old Trafford, saying: “At this club, the noise is always there. One defeat and it’s a crisis, one win and it’s a title charge.

"Amorim has to block that out and stay focused. But he also has to learn quickly about the Premier League — you don’t get endless patience here.”

Summing up, Rio struck a note of cautious optimism: “The signs are there that Amorim could build something. But unless he finds his best back line and sticks with it, United will always be vulnerable. You can’t build trophies on sand — you need a solid foundation.”