Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag shuts down Rio Ferdinand in frosty interview after Fulham win

“With all respect [to Rio Ferdinand], didn’t you see my style of play last season?” Ten Hag rapidly responded.

Ferdinand then doubled down, clarifying he meant this season rather than the Dutchman’s maiden campaign in the job.

Ten Hag hit back: “This season, no, not quite, but people should know why. It’s because we have so many injuries.

“Every time we have to swap a player in and out, the routines they’re used to won’t be exactly there, and that is what you’re seeing at this moment in our team.

“Obviously, we need to be winning games; that’s not an excuse, but when there are players that aren’t available, the roles won’t be the same.

“We have good players, but they can’t play the same position with different people in every lineup. Once we’re healed, then we’ll play better.”

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