Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand recognises the results on the pitch haven't been what they might be – but argues the effort under Ruben Amorim is plain to see. Amorim has overseen seven defeats in his first 16 matches in charge and after the most recent of those losses, he described the current Manchester United squad as the worst in the club's history. There was a return to winning ways on Thursday, though, with Bruno Fernandes' stoppage-time strike making the difference against Rangers in the Europa League.
Ferdinand was on commentary and punditry duty for TNT Sports for the game at Old Trafford as United left things very late. Jack Butland's own goal was cancelled out two minutes from time by Cyriel Dessers, only for Fernandes to pop up at the death. "I don't think it was near a perfect performance, but you are seeing the effort [from United's players]," Ferdinand said. "I have questioned effort and desire - I am not seeing that now, which is a good thing.".
Amorim rung the changes for the match, including a return to the starting line-up for Alejandro Garnacho. The winger has been linked with a move away, with Napoli and Chelsea linked, but Ferdinand argued his performance makes the case for keeping him at Old Trafford.
"I think they [Man Utd fans] were making their feelings very clear. They love him, they sing about him often," the 46-year-old said. "One thing he does give you; he puts you on the edge of your seat. He is always direct, but the system is the one thing that goes against him.
