Premier League: Rio Ferdinand Slams 'Invisible' Manchester United Duo After Loss To Sheffield

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand slammed Red Devils duo of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial for being “invisible” during their side’s shocking 2-1 loss to Sheffield United in the Premier League Wednesday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have been in fine form and they went into Wednesday's fixture at Old Trafford after knocking Liverpool out of the FA Cup at the weekend, on the back of six wins and three draws in their previous nine Premier League matches.

Their unbeaten streak of nine games had made Manchester United one of the title contenders this season and after being at the top of the table for two weeks, they failed to reclaim the top spot following their latest loss, which was interestingly the Blades’ only second win of the 2020-21 season. Solskjaer’s side remained in second place with 40 points, while Manchester City are a point clear at the top, but Pep Guardiola’s men still have a game in hand.

"They didn't have that zip about them. From minute one, really, there wasn't that cut and thrust we've seen from United. Credit Sheffield United, Chris Wilder set them up very well, but United didn't ask the questions. Bruno Fernandes, who they've relied on so heavily in recent weeks, months, didn't get it going today. Paul Pogba the same," Ferdinand told BT Sport after the final whistle.

Kean Bryan put the touring side 1-0 up within 23 minutes off the kick-off whistle and Sheffield ensured the scoreline remained as is at the half-time break. Skipper Harry Maguire gave a brief hope of a comeback when he netted the 64th minute-equalizer for Manchester United. However, the Blades took only 16 minutes to respond as Oliver Burke sealed the game for Sheffield with his winner.

"If anybody was starting to get carried away at Old Trafford, with the position that they're on, it was a reality check. I think recently Man Utd, in terms of reaction, have been brilliant but tonight it seemed to come crumbling down. Rashford and Martial were invisible, didn't get on the end of anything, didn't create anything. If anybody was starting to get carried away at Old Trafford, with the position that they're on, it was a reality check," added Ferdinand.

Manchester United will next take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday before locking horns with Southampton in the coming week.