Rio Ferdinand expects to see a reaction from Manchester United when they host Liverpool in Sunday’s box office Premier League showdown.
Erik ten Hag’s players returned from the international break hoping to build on the momentum generated by last month’s dramatic FA Cup triumph against their arch rivals.
United, instead, suffered late collapses against both Brentford and Chelsea that have left their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in tatters.
The nature of Thursday’s surrender at Stamford Bridge has again placed the spotlight on Ten Hag, with is long-term future very much in doubt.
A heavy defeat at home against title-chasing Liverpool could spell the end for the Dutchman, but Ferdinand hopes his players stand up and fight for the badge.
He told TNT Sport: ‘Tomorrow’s game, Manchester United vs Liverpool is the one. I’m just hoping, my heart is saying please.
‘I’m wishing. I’m doing everything. Man utd are in a position where it’s a hard result to take.
‘What I hope to see is an absolute reaction from minute one, come out the blocks flying and making Liverpool understand what they’re in for. Let them know it’s a tough game.’
Earlier this week, Ten Hag pleaded with the club’s new owners to give him time and avoid interrupting the progress he believes he is making.
United legend Ferdinand, however, questioned the former Ajax boss’s assessment of the job he has done so far and is struggling to see where his side have improved.
‘He would say that he’s trying to keep his job,’ Ferdinand added. ‘I wouldn’t think he’d say anything different. but the facts of the matter are Manchester United any further forward than where they were at the end of last season.
‘I was sitting there looking forward to the season but it hasn’t panned out like that at all. Yes, there’s been a lot of injuries but we’re no closer to seeing what an Erik ten Hag team now than we were on day one.
‘That concerns me a little bit. Everyone has injuries but you have to deal with it and they haven’t dealt with it as well as other teams.’
MORE : Sporting send warning to Arsenal and Chelsea over Viktor Gyokeres transfer fee
MORE : Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand agree over their Premier League signing of the season
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
