---
title: "Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand defends Paul Pogba, prompting fan reactions"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/manchester-united-rio-ferdinand-defends-paul-pogba-prompting-fan-reactions/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Thomas Ward"
section: "Manchester United Football Club"
published: "2020-05-01T16:10:35Z"
modified: "2020-05-01T16:10:35Z"
---

# Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand defends Paul Pogba, prompting fan reactions

**Rio Ferdinand has defended Paul Pogba from widespread criticism, in an interview with [FIVE’s YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Qfxl-qFxw&feature=youtu.be).**

The former England international is perplexed by the fact Pogba is still being blamed for [Manchester United’s struggles](https://www.goal.com/en-om/news/you-cant-beat-him-with-a-stick-because-hes-different/1bxp6zbs508ua17lmvqgycjhqq) this season, despite missing the majority of the campaign through injury, and has challenged his fellow pundits to not “beat him with a stick.”

Perhaps unfairly, the 27-year-old has been the centre of attention ever since his return to Old Trafford, with frequent transfer speculation stirred up by his controversial agent [Mino Raiola](https://twitter.com/MinoRaiola/status/1229491521688391680), dividing fans and pundits alike.

His former club Juventus and Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid have been tipped to make a move for the French World Cup winner in the summer.

After returning to United from his old Serie A side, Pogba has scored 31 goals and provided 31 assists for the Red Devils so far, winning the Europa League and League Cup up until now ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/paul-pogba/profil/spieler/122153)).

Unsurprisingly, loads of supporters gushed over the[club legend’s](https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/rio-ferdinand) comments, with one fan tweeting Ferdinand is still “top class,” and another simply adding “spot on.”

Scroll through the rest of the best reactions down below…

https://twitter.com/AyanfeOG/status/1255956738274099203?s=20

https://twitter.com/butlerryan21461/status/1255954054800453632?s=20

> Spot on, Rio.
>
> — Daniel (@UtdApollo) [April 30, 2020](https://twitter.com/UtdApollo/status/1255951083530326017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Director of Football, make it happen.
>
> — KHAN™ 🧨 (@fariskhan\_) [April 30, 2020](https://twitter.com/fariskhan_/status/1255951628777201665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Rio speaking facts [pic.twitter.com/md33ML0Rv9](https://t.co/md33ML0Rv9)
>
> — MrBop🔴 (@BopUTD) [April 30, 2020](https://twitter.com/BopUTD/status/1255951147933655040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Rio Ferdinand is one of the few ex-footballer pundit I rate. Love this guy and everything he says man…
>
> — T Time (@Putrox\_) [April 30, 2020](https://twitter.com/Putrox_/status/1255952035280814080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

***United fans, what are your thoughts on Ferdinand’s comments? Let us know below…***