He’s the only good player in the whole Man United team now… If Erik ten Hag don’t want to be sacked, he should make the mistake he made last season”: Erik ten Hag told to avoid benching ONE Man United’s player if he really want to keep his job

Rio Ferdinand has shared his belief that Amad Diallo is building a strong case to become a regular starter for Manchester United following another standout performance, despite the team’s defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manchester United lost 2-1 at the Amex Stadium, with Brighton’s goals scored by Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro, ultimately leaving United empty-handed. Amad Diallo, however, netted United’s only goal in the second half. The 22-year-old winger showcased his talent by cutting in from the right and unleashing a powerful shot, illustrating his skill and composure.

This goal carried added significance, coming less than 24 hours after Amad announced the heartbreaking news of his stepmother’s passing. The young Ivorian dedicated the goal to her, adding emotional depth to his achievement. Despite the difficult circumstances, Amad has been in remarkable form, having started United’s recent Premier League games against Fulham and Brighton. Ferdinand believes that based on his current form, Amad deserves to remain a regular in the starting lineup.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Ferdinand praised Amad, saying, “I’m really happy for him. He’s had a tough week with the passing of his stepmother, but his performance today was excellent. He showed resilience and brilliance, especially with that goal, which is classic Amad—drawing the defender, cutting inside, and finishing with composure and power. He’s certainly earning a spot in the regular starting eleven.”

Ferdinand also addressed Manchester United’s defensive issues, particularly mentioning the build-up to Pedro’s late goal, which resulted from poor defending. United’s defense gave Pedro too much space and time, leaving him unmarked at the far post.

United manager Erik ten Hag criticized the team’s organization in that crucial moment, and Ferdinand suggested that things might have been different if Harry Maguire had stayed on the pitch. Maguire was substituted and replaced by new signing Matthijs de Ligt, a move that Ferdinand found surprising.

“I thought Harry Maguire was growing into the game and performed well. In fact, he was United’s best defender today,” Ferdinand noted. “I was surprised when he was taken off. If he had stayed, maybe he would have organized the defense and prevented that second goal.”

He also commented on the substitution, adding, “When a center-back is taken off without an injury, it’s always a bit puzzling. It wasn’t something that happened during our time. But with the squad’s depth, the manager has a lot of players to keep happy.”

As for Matthijs de Ligt, Ferdinand acknowledged that the Dutch defender looked composed after coming on, but emphasized that Maguire hadn’t played poorly, calling his performance solid for most of the match.