‘Talk is kind of cheap’: Rio Ferdinand criticises United man for his pre-Manchester derby comments

Rio Ferdinand disagrees with Marcus Rashford giving an in-depth, personal interview ahead of last Sunday’s Manchester derby.

The Manchester United academy graduate linked up with The Players’ Tribune to speak out following a period of pretty heavy criticism, especially after his notorious clubbing incident in Belfast back in January.

Rashford, 26, has endured fluctuating form since his career-best, 30-goal campaign in 2022/2023, notching six goals in 33 appearances across all competitions. He retains the faith of Erik ten Hag, hence his weekly inclusion in the starting 11, but fans have often found themselves pulling their hair out over his missed chances or his dejected body language. 

Alas, he acknowledged such criticism by stating: “I’m not a perfect person. When I make a mistake, I’ll be the first one to put my hand up and say that I need to do better. But if you ever question my commitment to United, that’s when I have to speak up.

“People will actually think I’m weird when I start talking about what United means to me. Because if you’re not me, then I’m sure it almost sounds fake. But you have to understand, when I was young, playing for United was everything.”

The England international went on to silence his critics early doors in Sunday’s clash at the Etihad, scoring an absolutely sensational worldie of a strike in the eighth minute to break the deadlock. He did, however, squander two significant opportunities later in the game before the Reds fell to a 3-1 defeat. 

Ferdinand questions Rashford’s timing

Speaking on his FIVE podcast, Ferdinand shared his stance on the matter.

“When you’re not in form, and you’re searching for form, talk is kind of cheap,” the former centre-half began. “I think he’s brave to do that. I think he does bring more pressure, I think he must know going into that it brings more pressure. 

“Listen, I think he’s got the hump with certain people questioning his desire and his application. He wasn’t happy with a lot of stuff being said in the media, and he wanted no one to question his love for the club and what the club means for him. But it’s only performances that are going to persuade people.

“I knew that when I played – I ain’t chatting. Everyone’s different and Marcus can do what he wants to do but I ain’t chatting to no-one if I’m not in form. The moment I hit a bit of form, I’m chatting to everyone.

“I don’t know what’s right and wrong with that. I think probably the way I did it was right but it’s brave to do what he’s done and speak when you’re not in form. He knows he’s not in form, he’s not silly.”