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While speaking to FIVE, legendary Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed two defenders the club was wrong to sell.
Rio had himself quite the sterling career at United decorated by tons of titles including 6 Premier Leagues, a Champions League and a FIFA Club World Cup.
He was part of perhaps the Premier League’s best centre back partnership alongside former illustrious captain, the Serbian wall Nemanja Vidic.
“I’ve said this many times, it was a travesty that they sold Jonny Evans. He should never have been allowed to leave,” said Rio.
“He was the best defender, the best centre back, when I left.
“When me and Vidic walked out of the door, the experience, the old timers, we were gone, he was the best defender that you’ve got.
“I just couldn’t believe that he was allowed to leave.
“Him and Chris Smalling, to be fair. I don’t believe they should have been allowed to leave, I thought they knew the fabric of the club.
“You need those types,” Rio pointed out.
Since he and Vidic left, United have struggled to find consistent solidity in that backline.
There have been numerous big signings like Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly but none have quite measured up to what Rio and Vidic offered.
Jonny Evans left in 2015 for West Brom at an undisclosed fee where he played for 3 seasons, before Leicester City activated his £3.5m release clause.
Evans was released by Leicester at the end of the 22/23 season, which he served as captain.
He trained with his old club United before signing a short term contract to travel and play with the squad for pre-season.
Erik ten Hag was impressed and rewarded him with a one-year contract in September 2023.
He has had some playing time, with Lisandro Martínez injured for the majority of the season, and has been doing just fine.
Chris Smalling officially left Old Trafford in 2020 having spent a season on loan at Roma.
The English defender had been with Manchester United for 10 odd years, having been signed from Fulham by Sir Alex in 2010.
He was an integral part of Lous Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho’s tenures at the club.
