Rio Ferdinand is facing huge criticism for his ‘biased’ Manchester United commentary against Lyon, with some viewers calling for him to be axed.
Ferdinand struggled to contain his emotions on co-commentary duties for TNT Sports on Thursday night during United’s thrilling 5-4 comeback win.
The Red Devils looked set for an exit from the Europa League after going 4-2 down in extra-time of their quarter-final second leg clash at Old Trafford.
But with just six minutes left, Ruben Amorim’s side scored three goals to turn the tie around and avoid penalties as they reached the semi-finals.
Former United star Ferdinand screamed wildly at his old club’s fightback – irking many viewers – with football commentators meant to be neutral.
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Some have even urged broadcaster TNT Sports to take action and sack Ferdinand, who spent 12 years as a United player from 2002 to 2014.
Ferdinand, who was on duty with Robbie Savage, is a legend at United having won six Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at the club – but some viewers have had enough of him.
Rio Ferdinand ‘blatantly biased’ towards Man Utd
‘TNT Sports should sack Rio Ferdinand ASAP,’ Liverpool supporter @Rizy_LFC posted on X. ‘The guy is so blatantly biased towards Man United, absolute disgrace.’
Brentford fan @josh_bfc added: ‘One the great European moments utterly ruined by the f****** atrocity of Robbie Savage and Rio Ferdinand. TNT Sports needs to liquidate.’
‘Rio Ferdinand is the worst commentator going,’ Aston Villa supporter @KellandMatt said. ‘Add Robbie Savage next to him and it’s absolutely disgraceful. [TNT Sports] have to do something about it ffs!’
‘As a football fan, Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Savage have absolutely ruined this game with their pathetic, childish commentary, ears are f****** bleeding,’ Liverpool fan @RickyMann4 opined.
‘Cannot stand Rio Ferdinand on commentary,’ Queens Park Rangers supporter @tom_lewo posted. ‘Such an unlikeable human.’
‘Embarrassing watching this match on TNT with Ferdinand and Savage, it’s like MUTV,’ Liverpool fan @Corballyred added. ‘It’s as if they think everyone watching this is Utd fan.’
‘Am I alone in thinking that the commentators should be neutral?’ @DaveHo1mes asked. ‘This is more like MUTV.’
‘He clearly has a bias,’ @Villafanmike said about Ferdinand. ‘Before the game, at [half time] and at the end, of course you have greats from the club to discuss the game – but it’s so bad if you’re the opposition or a neutral. It sounded like MUTV for most of the game.’
Rio Ferdinand poor but celebrations warranted
Opinion from Metro’s Sports Reporter Liam Grace…
Ferdinand is one of my least favourite commentators in football. His analysis is generally basic and lacks any real substance whatsoever.
It’s not just when he is commentating on United games, though. You only need to load up the Vinicius Jr Ballon d’Or meme (see below) during last season’s Champions League final to know exactly what I am talking about.
Ferdinand is equally poor covering other teams, with his work during Arsenal’s Champions League second leg win over Real Madrid on Tuesday another example. He was forced to U-turn on his Bukayo Saka stance – finally admitting he is world-class – which we’ve all known for a while.
Ferdinand didn’t have much to offer overall and it became blatantly obvious when comparing his punditry to the impressive Ally McCoist, also employed by TNT Sports, who is – in my opinion – a far superior football commentator, who can delve deeper into the tactical side of the game.
But as bad as Ferdinand can be, it must be said that his celebrations during United’s comeback win over Lyon were very much understandable.
It’s no secret to anyone that Ferdinand is a massive United fan, given his long association with the club. Does he really need to hide it? Especially during one of the most famous European comebacks in their history? I’m not so sure. Thursday night’s drama is why we all love the sport so much.
Rio Ferdinand set to leave TNT Sports?
At the end of March, the Daily Mail reported that Ferdinand could leave TNT Sports at the end of the season.
It has been suggested that Ferdinand may focus on his successful podcast and YouTube channel instead.
The ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents’ YouTube channel currently has over 1.3 million subscribers and is clearly popular with a lot of football supporters.
The channel is far more fan-focused than his work on TNT Sports, which may be better suited to the Englishman given the accusations of partiality.