Varane, according to Ferdinand, was brilliant with the way he covered his partner, while Martinez’s nuisance value made the game difficult for visiting Liverpool
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ex-Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand has singled out three players in his old club for praise, after the Red Devils defeated their arch-rivals, Liverpool on Monday at Old Trafford.
The Red half of Manchester beat Liverpool 2-1 at home, thanks to two goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford in the first and second halves.
Although Mohamed Salah scored what ended up as a consolation goal for the Reds, it was Erik ten Hag’s men who carried the day.
ALSO READ: Casemiro to don Fernandes’ old jersey after United switch
After the game, Ferdinand praised the likes of Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez for their outstanding display against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Ferdinand said on his FIVE YouTube channel, “Rashford looked like something we were used to seeing from years ago.
“With the energy, the ability to run behind, the desire, chasing things down.
“The way that they [United] pressed was a pleasing factor but also the way they kept their shape.”
He went on to eulogise Varane and Martinez’s partnership in the centre-halves positions, stating that while the former’s covering was brilliant, the latter’s nuisance value was also helpful.
He added, “The two centre-halves were outstanding, I thought [Raphael] Varane in the first-half covering was brilliant, and all through the game.
“[Lisandro] Martinez was out to people, getting up against people, being a nuisance… there’s a little bit of Gabriel Heinze in him, probably not as rash maybe, but I really like the look of him.
“I still think he will get isolated and targeted, but if he can perform to the standard today, what a big signing he could be.”