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Club legend Rio Ferdinand slammed Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Alejandro Garnacho and Noussair Mazraoui for their respective roles in Anthony Elanga’s goal as Manchester United fell to a 1-0 defeat on Tuesday evening.
Elanga was allowed to run from the edge of his penalty area and break into United’s box before scoring with just five minutes on the clock.
That strike was all Forest needed to clinch all three points and bring Ruben Amorim and his players back down to reality after a run of positive results before the international break.
In his post-match press conference, Amorim insisted that the goal could have been avoided. He noted that Garnacho should have perhaps fouled Elanga and stopped the Swede in his tracks.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Ferdinand shared the same opinion as Amorim, but also questioned why Dorgu and Mazraoui didn’t do better in that situation.
The six-time Premier League winner said [via The Mirror], “I can break this goal down. I think there’s three moments where they could have maybe stopped this goal. I think, first of all, it’s a wonderful goal from Elanga, and you can’t take anything away from him in that sense.”
“But when you’re looking for a defensive point of view, Elanga on the edge of the box there. Dorgu’s got to be goal-side.”
“You’ve got to think defensively first. You know the threat is pace. Be in a better position to stop that. Then he’s behind, he’s chasing, can’t get back.”
Ferdinand continued, “And Garnacho has a role to play here. You should take him out, foul him there. You’ve got to foul him there. Take him out. You can see the pace; you can see the support he has.”
“And Mazraoui’s got to make a decision. Before he gets into that box, you’ve got to go and engage the attacking player there.”
“Go into the box, get closer to goal. Elanga dispatches.”
The result left United stuck in 13th place with eight Premier League games remaining. As things stand, a top-half finish appears to be a tough challenge for the Red Devils, with the Europa League being their best chance of salvaging the season.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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