Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand: 'Manchester United right to part with Lukaku, Sanchez'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 31 August 2019

Ferdinand: 'Man Utd right over Lukaku, Sanchez'

Former defender Rio Ferdinand says that Manchester United have made the right decision to part ways with Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.

Rio Ferdinand has backed Manchester United's decision to part ways with Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.

After uninspiring returns during the 2018-19 campaign, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has allowed both players to link up with Inter Milan.

Their exits have arguably left United short of strength in depth going forward, but former centre-back Ferdinand feels that the changes needed to be made.

The ex-England international told talkSPORT: "It's got thinner and that could be a concern. I'm quite pleased on one hand because I'm starting to see what Ole wants the makeup of this squad to be and he's starting to shape it the way he wants.

"I remember an interview he did at the end of last season, he said he wants this team to be the fittest team, to work hard and want to be here. He's setting the tone and that's a vital part of any football club.

"There has to be a method, a philosophy and an ideology of what you want it to be. If people don't fit it – goodbye! I'm happy with that. For far too long at Man United, some people thought they were doing the club a favour by being there. He wants to change that dynamic and he's doing that by making big decisions."

United have now recorded five points from their opening four Premier League fixtures after being held to a 1-1 draw by Southampton on Saturday afternoon.