Rio Ferdinand: The end is near

Ferdinand’s form has dipped considerably this season

All good things come to an end and the end is surely drawing close for Manchester United stalwart Rio Ferdinand. The powerful centre-back has been an integral part of United for nearly twelve years winning a total of 15 trophies with Manchester United, some of which include six Premier League trophies and one Champions League.

The defender formed a excellent partnership with Nemanja Vidic, which is without doubt one of the best defensive pairings in football history. Ferdinand has got himself on the PFA Team of the Year six times which is a big achievement.

In spite of all these remarkable laurels, Ferdinand’s form has depleted since last season and is now one a shadow of the player he once was. Roy Hodgson must now think that Rio made the right decision when he chose to pull out of the England squad last year before he called time on his international career in the summer of 2013.

There was always something special about Ferdinand which was evident since his West Ham United days. The Englishman produced some stunning displays and was eventually bought by Leeds United for £18 million making him the most expensive defender in the world.

Ferdinand showed his brilliance once again at Leeds and was a part of the team that reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2000. The defender shone for his country in the 2002 World Cup which and was bought by Manchester United for £29.1 million, making him the most expensive defender in the world once again.

Ferdinand was a brilliant investment by Sir Alex Ferguson and his remarkable abilities were a huge help in United’s successes over the decade. But age catches up with everyone and Ferdinand has found himself on the wrong side of 30 in recent months.

Ferdinand has slowed down considerably this season and has been constantly bullied by younger players. The 35-year old cannot handle fast paced attacks anymore leading him to be caught out of position many times this term. David Moyes has dropped Ferdinand in favor of Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling, who have had good seasons so far and are slowly growing into their positions.

Ferdinand is often caught behind the play

The above picture speaks a thousand words. Ferdinand was a part of the starting line-up in the 4-1 loss to Manchester City and was royally bashed by the attack minded City players. Ferdinand was totally exposed in the match against City and could only watch helplessly as his team’s rivals fired four goals into the back of United’s net.

The 35-year-old was once again outclassed in the 2-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion. Ferdinand was no match for Saido Berahino, who nutmegged him on numerous occasions. It was shocking to see one of the most gifted defenders being bested by young and relatively inexperienced opposition. In a way, these were signs that Ferdinand’s influence was slowly waning.

The former England international had a decent time in the recent Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk but was often dispossessed by the opposite team. It can be safely said that Manchester United will see much less of Ferdinand this season unless there is an injury crisis in the defensive department.

Ferdinand will most likely hang up his boots soon and when he does, the United faithful will surely miss this talented defender who has brought their team glory on numerous occasions. Even though Rio has his faults, he will retire with a smile on his face and a glittering career behind him.