“He shouldn’t be at Man United. We are more than this. This big club shouldn’t be accomodating this type of players because its a disgrace to the club” – Rio Ferdinand blasts club’s reliance on defender who is still at the club causing a lot of errors in every match.

Former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand has criticized Manchester United for relying heavily on senior center-back Jonny Evans this season.

Ferdinand, a six-time Premier League winner with United, shared the pitch with Evans during three of those title-winning campaigns. Despite Ferdinand’s departure from Old Trafford in 2014, Evans followed suit a season later.

This season, Evans unexpectedly returned to the fold. Initially joining Erik ten Hag’s squad to maintain fitness, Evans later signed a short-term deal for the duration of United’s pre-season tour, which was later extended with a one-year contract.

In a surprising turn of events, the 36-year-old Evans has become a mainstay in the United squad. With injuries plaguing most of United’s senior defenders at some point this season, Evans has featured prominently in several high-stakes matches.

Having started in both Manchester derbies, as well as fixtures against Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur, Evans has amassed 23 appearances for United this season.

Reflecting on his former teammate’s resurgence on the FIVE podcast, Ferdinand lauded Evans for his performances but criticized United for relying excessively on him.

“I didn’t expect him to play as many games or perform as well as he has,” admitted Ferdinand. “But he hasn’t put a foot wrong; it’s remarkable. He’s adept with the ball and likely mentors the younger players. He might transition into coaching after his playing career.

“He probably didn’t anticipate playing this many games, but given his form, it wouldn’t surprise me if he earned a new contract, either at United or elsewhere.

“However, as well as he’s done and as much as I respect him as a professional, he really shouldn’t be at Manchester United. It underscores the club’s current situation. He shouldn’t be tasked with marking Erling Haaland. That’s not the standard for top clubs nowadays.”

Evans, who was substituted during United’s recent clash with City, faces a race against time to regain fitness for their upcoming Premier League fixture against Everton this Saturday.