“He’s Not Ready for United” – Rio Ferdinand Slams Højlund, Calls for Change
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has never been one to shy away from telling hard truths, and his latest comments on Rasmus Højlund have sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike.
The former United defender, known for his leadership during the club’s most successful modern era, has offered a brutally honest assessment of the Danish striker’s performance in his debut season — and he believes tough decisions must be made if United are to return to their former glory. Ferdinand: “He’s Not United Standard… Yet”
In a recent appearance on his podcast, Vibe with FIVE, Ferdinand did not hold back:
“Listen, I love seeing young talent given a chance. But at a club like Manchester United, there’s no room for passengers. Højlund is not trash — let’s be clear — but right now, he’s not ready for the demands of this football club.”
Ferdinand’s comments reflect a growing concern among fans who feel that the 21-year-old striker has yet to justify the hefty fee United paid for him. After arriving with much fanfare from Atalanta last summer, Højlund managed just four Premier League goals in 32 appearances, significantly underperforming his xG (expected goals) of 5.24.
While he showed promise in spurts, especially during United’s European fixtures, Ferdinand emphasized that consistency, not potential, is what the team needs at this level.
The Stats Don’t Lie
Ferdinand’s criticism isn’t without foundation.
- Goals: 4 in 32 Premier League games
- Assists: 0
- xG underperformance: -1.24
- Key misses: Several in high-pressure matches against top-six rivals
For a club desperate to climb back to the top of English and European football, these numbers raise red flags — especially given the lack of reliable support in the final third.
“We Need a Ruthless Number 9”
Ferdinand went on to state that Manchester United must now prioritize signing a “ruthless No. 9” in the summer transfer window. He believes Højlund may still have a future at Old Trafford — but not as the club’s primary goal-scorer.
“If you want to challenge City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, you need killers up front. Cold-blooded finishers. We’ve had them in the past: Van Nistelrooy, Rooney, Ronaldo. Højlund’s got fight, but right now? He’s not that guy.”
Sell or Loan?
While Ferdinand stopped short of calling for an immediate sale, he hinted that a loan move or a reduced role could be best for both the player and the club.
“There’s no shame in admitting a player isn’t ready. Loan him to a club where he’ll get regular minutes, let him grow, and see what he brings back. But don’t build your attack around someone still learning the game.”
United fans remain divided. Some agree that the club needs a more experienced striker, while others argue that Højlund, still only 21, deserves more time under new boss Rúben Amorim, who is known for developing young talent.
The Bigger Picture
The criticism of Højlund comes at a crucial moment as Manchester United begin their summer rebuild. With Matheus Cunha already signed, and links to strikers like Jonathan David and Viktor Gyökeres, it’s clear that United are actively looking to revamp their forward line.
Ferdinand’s words may sting, but they reflect a growing sentiment: sentimentality has no place in elite football. If United are to restore their dominance, every player — even those with promise — must prove they belong
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