Rio Ferdinand has enjoyed poking fun during Liverpool’s downturn in form but he was forced to admit he was humbled after Manchester United’s defeat to Everton
Stephen Killen Senior Football Writer
09:53, 25 Nov 2025Updated 10:09, 25 Nov 2025
Rio Ferdinand has called for more scrutiny of Arne Slot(Image: rioferdy5/X)
Rio Ferdinand admitted he was left humbled just hours after aiming digs at Liverpool. The former Manchester United defender basked in the Reds’ dismal run but was left red-faced when 10-man Everton won 1-0 at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand called for more scrutiny on Arne Slot and his team after losing six Premier League matches in their last seven, when Nottingham Forest ran out 3-0 winners at Anfield on Saturday. The Dutchman is facing pressure as Liverpool sit 12th in the table, 11 points off pace-setters Arsenal and three away from the Champions League places.
With United’s upturn in form coinciding with the Reds’ poor run, the 47-year-old has taken delight in seeing United’s fierce rivals endure a blip after a successful period under Jurgen Klopp and Slot.
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Ferdinand, however, was forced to admit that he was left humbled as the Red Devils slumped to defeat against Everton on Monday night. In a video posted to X, he said: “Guys, just back from a run, I had to put myself through it after last night.
“It’s a tough game this, a tough game, you think you’re on top of the world, flying, got momentum, doing your thing and think, you know what? We can be a bit boasty (sic) I was man, I had my shades on, walking around Milan, I was feeling myself, I was, I have to say.
“But this game can humble you quick. The result yesterday at Old Trafford against 10 men, against a good, solid Everton side, with 10 men and we don’t get it done. Absolutely ruined me, I’ll be honest, ruined me.
“WhatsApp groups that were quiet, tumbleweed drifting through it last couple of weeks and now popping off like you’ve never seen it before with Liverpool fans, found their vocal box, found their voice and they’re giving it to me.
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“But it’s life guys, if you’re going to give it, you’ve got to take it. So I’ve gone for a run this morning, here we are, we will back. This is what supporting teams is all about, the ups, downs and rollercoasters, just stay on the ride guys.”
Ferdinand had taken umbrage at a supposed lack of criticism for Slot, similar to what Amorim or his predecessor Erik ten Hag endured during their time in the Old Trafford hotseat.
The United icon highlighted a Sky Sports interview with Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville where they sat with Ten Hag to reflect on his first six weeks in charge, Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool.
He called for similar scrutiny on Slot after highlighting Liverpool’s dismal run.
“It’s crazy, you look at these stats, since the Paris Saint-Germain loss in March, that’s 30 games they’ve played, 13 wins, 14 defeats, it reads like Amorim when he was struggling,” he said on his podcast.
“Win rate of 43%… They [Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville] had Amorim straight away, getting rinsed, under pressure, I want the same energy for Arne Slot right now please.
“It’s about parity, balance, treating one like the other. “
United sit above Liverpool on goal difference in 10th after seeing their run of five unbeaten come to an end. At the beginning of the run, Harry Maguire’s late effort inflicted misery on the Reds as part of their recent dour run in the Premier League.