Rio Ferdinand says one Manchester United player was ‘brilliant all game’ today

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Rio Ferdinand has named the Manchester United player he thought was brilliant all game as Erik ten Hag’s side were beaten by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

For the first-half at least, it appeared that Manchester United may stand a real chance of securing a big result.

Marcus Rashford gave the visitors the lead with a stunning strike in the first eight minutes.

Rio Ferdinand praises Andre Onana despite Manchester United defeat

And with Erling Haaland missing an open goal from just a couple of yards out before half-time, it appeared that it may end up being one of those days for Pep Guardiola’s side.

City also came up against a seemingly inspired Andre Onana. So it was absolutely no surprise that Phil Foden required a strike every bit as good as Rashford’s to equalise for Manchester City.

Onana has come in for criticism since arriving at Manchester United in the summer. However, the 27-year-old was exceptional at times against the Cityzens, making five saves, with the best probably being saved for Rodri. He also did superbly to deny Foden when the England international ran through one on one early on.

And while discussing Rashford’s goal on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand suggested that he was really impressed by the goalkeeper’s display.

“Marcus Rashford goes up the other end. Onana with a great kick. Onana, I thought was brilliant all game to be fair to him. Played the ball forward, one ball over the top,” he said.

“I have to say, I’ve said this numerous times, the only way you’re going to beat City, I think, you can’t go toe to toe with them. And we tried that before, we got beat, smashed off the park before. The manager was humble enough to say we’re going to have to sit on the back foot a little bit, have a low block, and try and hit them on the counter. They did that, the goal was a good example.”

Mixed emotions for Erik ten Hag

The manner of the defeat would have been a bit of a sickener. Manchester United rode their luck defensively, while also looking quite assured in their low block.

And when they needed Onana to step up and bail them out, he was often there.

Of course, Manchester United fans do not want to watch their team holding on against Manchester City. But given where they are right now, they can take some positives from how long they frustrated the champions.