Rio Ferdinand has pointed out a major issue with Manchester United under Ruben Amorim ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Athletic Club.
The Red Devils head to San Mames Stadium after a dramatic 7-6 aggregate win over Lyon in the quarter-finals.
Ruben Amorim’s side must win the Europa League to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
United are currently 14th in the Premier League and likely to miss out on European football through league position.
That puts even more pressure on the semi-final, with kick-off set for 8pm UK time.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Ferdinand admitted there’s a clear flaw in United’s domestic performances this season.
Rio Ferdinand fears lack of physicality in Ruben Amorim’s side
“Physically, the teams they’ve played against [in the Europa League] they’ve been able to overpower,” he said.
“In the Premier League, United are possibly one of the weakest teams physically.”
“If they don’t get beat tactically or by individual brilliance, then physically they get overpowered or overrun.”
“And in Europe they’ve managed to do that to opposing teams.”
Ferdinand said he’s been encouraged by the European performances compared to domestic results.
He believes United are building rhythm in the competition, despite poor form in the league.
“I hope it provides a bit of confidence, although the league results since haven’t been improved,” he added.
“I like to think in this competition they feel something.”
“That’s what happens, you get into a groove in a competition and it’s almost like it’s meant to be.”
“Hopefully, it’s starting to feel like that for the players.”
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Ferdinand also suggested that success in Europe would be significant for Amorim in his debut campaign.
“[It would be] a huge success, given the disappointments there have been in the Premier League this year.”
“To end the season with a trophy and then qualification for the Champions League, I don’t think they could’ve dreamed of that.”
“It’d paper over some of the cracks.”
The winner of the tie will face either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League final on May 21st.
That final will be played at San Mames – the same venue where United play this Thursday.
