Jump directly to the content

RIO FERDINAND has hit back at Roy Keane for his criticism of Alejandro Garnacho.

The legendary former Manchester United defender believes that the Argentine may have struggled this season but still has something to offer the club.

Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United in a red jersey.
5
Alejandro Ganracho has had a difficult season at Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
Portrait of Roy Keane, former footballer and TV pundit.
5
Roy Keane has been critical of his performancesCredit: Getty
Rio Ferdinand, TNT Sports pundit, at a UEFA Champions League match.
5
Rio Ferdinand has defended the Argentine wingerCredit: Alamy

Keane claimed that Garnacho would not be "trusted" following the club's 2-1 win over Leicester City in the FA Cup.

However, Ferdinand has hit back and claimed that the winger is one of the only players not "shying away" from the ball.

Speaking on his , he said: "You look at him and say his game isn’t 100 per cent clean but that can be developed.

"But he doesn’t lack effort, he doesn’t lack energy.

READ MORE ON FOOTBALL

"He’s got a pair of b******s, that says he wants the ball, he will take the ball anywhere.

"He has got that belief and character that says 'I should be here and I should be playing, give me the ball at all times'.

"And in the situation we are in now where there are a lot of players shying away from the ball when the team aren’t doing well, he stands out like a sore form in that respect."

Ferdinand has also likened to Garnacho to former Man United star Nani.

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

The Portuguese forward often thrilled the Old Trafford terraces with his flamboyant playstyle.

He added: "He reminds me of Nani.

Alejandro Garnacho gets into training with Man Utd first team
Nani of Manchester United celebrates a goal.
5
Ferdinand has compared Garnacho to NaniCredit: Getty
Alejandro Garnacho's 2024-25 Man United stats: games, chances created, goals, assists, shots on target, passes, and fouls.

"One of the frustrations is he would get to it [the ball] and make the wrong decision or he would get to it and his execution wouldn’t be clean.

"But these players grow into that when given the time.

"Comments like that when you say he can’t be trusted, that’s a big comment for a young kid.

"I understand Roy might believe that but when you look at alternatives.

"If there were loads more options, I would understand it, but there is nothing else there that offers what he does, and it is a hard one to understand."

Garnacho has made 37 appearances in all competitions this season and has scored eight goals.

He has also chipped in with six assists, however only four goal involvements have come in the Premier League.

5
Topics