‘No disrespect’: Ferdinand admits one United star he loves ‘shouldn’t even be’ at the club

Wholesale changes must be implemented across Manchester United’s squad this summer, and the defensive department is a critical place to start.

We’re all well aware that injuries have absolutely plagued the backline this season, so much so that it’s led to Casemiro being catapulted out of his comfort zone and having to deputise at centre-half for the past month.

Last week, Raphael Varane announced that he’d be departing Old Trafford for good when his contract expires in June, giving Erik ten Hag one less senior option to anchor his back four next season. Meanwhile, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are said to face uncertain futures when the window opens, although the latter of which has certainly proven he’s capable of stepping up to the mark when called upon.

One defender who’s undoubtedly given his all for the shirt this term is Jonny Evans. When he re-joined the club on a season-long deal last summer, neither he nor supporters expected to see him utilised half as much as he has been over the past nine months.

The 36-year-old has made 29 appearances in all competitions, 17 of which have come from the offset. His national team coach, Michael O’Neill, revealed that Evans has been playing through injury throughout the season but soldiered on to aid United as best he could.

He, too, is out of contract next month, and as it stands, it remains to be seen if United would look to keep him around for depth.

Time for Evans to move on, suggests former Red

Rio Ferdinand doesn’t believe they should, though. When speaking on his YouTube channel FIVE, he explained that while he holds great respect for his former teammate, the veteran shouldn’t be playing competitively for United nowadays.

“Jonny Evans, really, no disrespect – I love him – but really he shouldn’t even be there,” he argued. “Really, if you’re looking at Man United being a progressive club [he shouldn’t be there]. But he’s come in and probably been their best centre-back this season.

“And now you’ve got Casemiro playing there, just filling gaps, and respect to him for doing that to put himself out there to do it.”