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Rio Ferdinand has thrown his support behind INEOS as they look to revive Manchester United’s fortunes.
The former United defender believes the club must adopt a long-term approach to rebuild.
Speaking to CNN after receiving the Player Career Award at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ferdinand highlighted the scale of the task INEOS face.
“It’s got to be long-term thinking now,” he said.
Ferdinand acknowledged the club’s decline and insisted immediate results cannot be the main focus.
“It’s weird to say this of Manchester United, but I just don’t think we can put targets on things.
“We’re not in a position to do that.”
United’s struggles this season have laid bare the need for a comprehensive rebuild under Ruben Amorim and INEOS.
“We have a lot of rebuilding of players individually, of a team, but also of a culture and environment,” Ferdinand added.
“That’s going to take time, so to put a target above that in terms of position and winning things… takes away from all of those four things that need building.”
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INEOS, now overseeing football relations at United, face mounting pressure.
The club need to be guided back to the top.
Ferdinand believes they deserve time to prove themselves.
“We need to give INEOS the chance to prove that they are capable of dragging the club from where we are,” he said.
The appointment of Amorim was seen as a statement of intent, but Ferdinand acknowledged the leap in expectations for the manager.
“What he’s (Amorim) done with Sporting… (He) changed the narrative of that football club for a few years.
“It’s alright doing that at Sporting. It’s a very different beast at Manchester United.”
United’s new CEO Omar Berrada has set ambitious targets, including winning the Premier League by 2028.
For Ferdinand, however, success will be measured in the club’s atmosphere and attitude.
“In 2025, I hope Manchester United become a positive football club with positive energy around them.
“And for the narrative that isn’t always dejected appointment.”
Ferdinand’s words reflect a growing consensus that United’s turnaround will require time and patience.
Something the fans will have to bare with, in the short-term.
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