“I think Amorim has made his first mistake” — Rio Ferdinand

In a bold call that could define his early tenure, Manchester United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, opted not to retain club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy in his setup.

While Amorim brings his trusted team from Sporting Lisbon, former United defender Rio Ferdinand has raised eyebrows, questioning if cutting van Nistelrooy loose might be a missed opportunity.

Ferdinand suggests that Van Nistelrooy’s influence and deep connection with the current squad could have been a golden asset to bridge the gap between manager and players, bringing unity to a team in flux.

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“We’ve been craving a manager who can truly connect with these players,” Ferdinand pointed out. “So why show the door to someone who already does?”

He believes keeping a United icon on board could have eased Amorim’s transition, even if Van Nistelrooy’s presence risked being a double-edged sword as both an asset and potential distraction.

Ferdinand’s concern hints at a familiar crossroads for United, where major decisions can either set the stage for revival or deepen the disconnect between manager and squad. Whether Amorim’s approach will pay off—or leave fans wondering what might have been—only time will tell.