“Ferdinand has been the best defender in the history of the Premier League”
Ferdinand was caught cold for 2 of Spurs’ goals on Saturday, beaten for pace by Gareth Bale for the second and then allowing Jermain Defoe to cut in after trying to force him wide for the 3rd.
Whilst he still believes Ferdinand is a very good player, Hansen feels almost aged 34 and with a history of injuries, the defender has seen his best days and may become a liabilty to United as the season progresses.
Speaking in his column in The Telegraph, the former Liverpool defender said:
“In my opinion, Ferdinand has been the best defender in the history of the Premier League and, while his loss of pace means he is no longer a great player, he is still a very good one.
“Rio Ferdinand, with his 34th birthday approaching next month, is hardly the future and that reality was brutally exposed against Tottenham.
“Rio was once blessed with pace and, when he was at his best, was undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world. But the injuries that have stalked him in recent seasons, particularly his back problem, have led to the situation where he now finds himself in real trouble if he progresses beyond the 18-yard line.
“If he was able to play every game defending the edge of the 18-yard box, as Chelsea did against Barcelona in the Nou Camp last season, Rio would be able to get the cigars out and play in cruise control.
“But he has to play a higher line for United because they are an attacking side and that means he is vulnerable whenever he comes up against somebody with pace.”
