Why it maybe time for a curtain-call for Rio Ferdinand at Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand

Manchester United’s rather disastrous season seems to be getting worse by the week. Not only are they racking up defeats like they are victories, performances have been uninspiring and unconvincing.

The champions’ latest humbling disappointment came on Sunday, as a bottom-of-the-league Fulham side travelled to Old Trafford and salvaged a last-gasp point in a 2-2 draw.

Manchester United crossing against Fulham

While it was not a fifth home Premier League defeat of the season, United undoubtedly failed to live up to expectations and David Moyes will come under increasing pressure, having visibly appeared unable to utilise a ‘plan b’ when things were not going his way in employing the crossing game so intently.

It capped off an underwhelming eight days which also saw them lose at Stoke in their last league game. In between the two disappointing results, bad news came with club captain Nemanja Vidic’s announcement as the Serbian put an end to speculation regarding his future by confirming his desire to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Rio Ferdinand has also been the subject of rumours about a possible departure and it is not difficult to see why after this season.

Ferdinand Pass Accuracy – PL 2013/14

On the surface the majority of his stats are respectable. His 89 per cent pass accuracy is seemingly classic Ferdinand, while his 140 performance score from just seven matches is better than many of his team-mates who have played more.

Ferdinand Duel Success – PL 2013/14

His 57% duel success is above average as well, while 52% headed duels and 55% tackle success also make for good returns respectively.

The centre-back’s best performance of the season – statistically speaking – came during the draw at Chelsea back in August last year as he notched a performance score of 50.

Ferdinand Clearances vs Chelsea (H) – PL 2013/14

United often found themselves under the cosh throughout that encounter and not only did he make one particularly crucial intervention, he made three important clearances from inside the area as he proved to be in the right place at the right time.

Compare that to his worst performance of the campaign in the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in September when he posted a -9 rating.

Of his five clearances only one was from the penalty area and on the whole he was powerless against a mobile City frontline. Some feel this was the match in which Ferdinand’s long-term United career effectively ended.

These statistics do not show Ferdinand’s physical decline, however, and anyone who has watched his few appearances this term can testify that – particularly against mobile forwards – he has often been ineffectual.

Added to that, the fact he has only managed to play seven times due to injuries and Moyes having seemingly losing faith in the 35-year-old, his time looks to have past.

United are clearly in a state of transition, with their manager and even the style in which Moyes is attempting to impose on the team.

Although keeping Ferdinand will have benefits in terms of experience and his personality, some performances have shown that perhaps he is not quite at the standard United want to be challenging at.

Should Ferdinand decide to continue his illustrious career, United may be wise to insist he does so elsewhere, with younger defenders waiting for their chance to prove themselves at the top.