‘It was a travesty’, says Rio Ferdinand as he reveals TWO surprise players Man Utd should never have sold
RIO FERDINAND has named the two players Manchester United should never have sold.
The former Red Devils defender admitted “it was a travesty” that one of the stars was let go following his own departure.
GettyRio Ferdinand has revealed the two players Manchester United should never have sold[/caption]
GettyFerdinand called it a ‘travesty’ that Jonny Evans was allowed to be sold in 2015[/caption]
Ferdinand left Old Trafford in 2014 alongside his centre-back partner Nemanja Vidic.
As team-mates, the defensive duo won five league titles and the Champions League in a 17-trophy haul at United.
Their exits left both Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling as potential replacements in the squad.
However, Evans would depart just a year later, a decision Ferdinand still does not understand.
Speaking on his FIVE podcast, the 45-year-old explained: “I’ve said this many times, it was a travesty that they sold Jonny Evans. He should never have been allowed to leave.
“He was the best defender, the best centre back, when I left. When me and [Nemanja] Vidic walked out of the door, the experience, the old timers, we were gone, he was the best defender that you’ve got. I just couldn’t believe that he was allowed to leave.
“Him and Chris Smalling, to be fair. I don’t believe they should have been allowed to leave, I thought they knew the fabric of the club. You need those types.”
Evans had won 10 trophies with United, including three league titles and the Champions League, before being sold to West Brom in 2015.
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Getty – ContributorChris Smalling left United on a permanent basis in 2020[/caption]
The 36-year-old subsequently returned to Old Trafford last summer on a free transfer.
He has since made 23 appearances under Erik ten Hag so far this term.
Meanwhile, Smalling remained at the club until 2020, when he was sold to Roma following a season-long loan spell with the Italian side.
During his 10 years with United, the ex-England international made 323 appearances.
Smalling also lifted eight trophies during that time, which included league titles in 2011 and 2013.
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