Rio Ferdinand responded to a viewer’s annoyance with his analysis of Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Thursday. With a commanding performance at San Mames Stadium, the Red Devils virtually guaranteed their spot in the Europa League final.
The 35th minute was the game-changing moment. Dani Vivian struck Rasmus Hojlund in the box five minutes after Casemiro had opened the score. After a VAR review, the referee initially allowed play to continue, but United was given a penalty and the defender was shown a red card. Before halftime, Bruno Fernandes scored his second goal of the game after converting.
Although VAR’s involvement in the incident has drawn a lot of attention, the match has also produced other controversy. Viewers criticized Ferdinand and Darren Fletcher for their blatantly biased commentary while they were in the TNT Sports commentary booth. The retired defender has now spoken his opinion.
After Manchester United wins, Ferdinand responds to an unhappy spectator.
The former defender has expressed his tranquility.
Since entering the world of punditry, Ferdinand has frequently been the target of criticism. His unreserved love for Manchester United regularly infuriates opposition fans. One X user expressed his annoyance during Thursday night’s game by writing: “It’s a European semifinal, and the TV commentary is two Manchester United supporters requesting a penalty and a red card. It’s simply pitiful.
The post specifically took aim at the consensus opinion of the TNT Sports commentary panel that VAR erred in dismissing Vivian and giving the Red Devils a penalty, which Fernandes converted. Accusations of bias are all but unavoidable given the large number of former United icons who currently hold major media positions. However, Ferdinand’s celebration of the game’s second score didn’t assist his cause either. See his celebration down below:
But in his usual easygoing style, the 46-year-old used a few carefully chosen words to produce the ideal response. See the entire discussion below for what he said:
A few disparaging comments are unlikely to deter Ferdinand, especially when his beloved old team appears to be on the verge of making it to yet another important European final. Although Ruben Amorim’s team is currently having a difficult season at home, which may end up being their worst Premier League campaign ever, their experience in Europe has been far more positive.
Man United will play the victor of Tottenham vs. Bodo/Glimt if they make it to the May 21 final in Bilbao. Spurs’ 3-1 victory in the first leg suggests that an all-English final is now likely.
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