Rio Ferdinand thinks the success of Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara is an example of why Man Utd fans need to be more patient with new signings.
Thiago was criticised last season for playing a part in the Reds poor that saw them in sixth place in the Premier League table at the beginning of April.
They recovered to finish third in the end and they have had a great season this campaign with an amazing Quadruple still within their grasp.
Revealed: The shocking truth behind those Ferdinand quotes about Liverpool midfielder Thiago
Thiago produced an incredible performance as Liverpool beat Man Utd 4-0 eight days ago and has put in a number of high-level displays this term.
When he joined Liverpool he was regarded as one of the best midfielders in world football and he is now living up to that tag this season.
“Thiago has been the stand-out midfielder for the last few weeks and months he’s been absolutely top,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe With Five YouTube channel.
“You look at his stats. Thiago’s pass accuracy by the way in the last two games against Everton and Man Utd 98.4 percent against Everton and 95.6 percent against Everton. That is ridiculous.
“I spoke to him at the time. He speaks perfect English, he was a great guy, wanted to come to United. But you look at him now and he couldn’t be happier.”
A number of Man Utd signings, such as Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, have not hit the ground running at Old Trafford and Ferdinand has urged his fellow Red Devils supporters to see Thiago as an example of players needing time to settle.
“There were ex-players I saw saying ‘he’s side to side, doesn’t play the ball forward he isn’t ready-made for this league’. Players need time.
“It goes back to this thing with managers and Man Utd as well the club need to give the manager at Man Utd patience, the clubs need and the fans need to give players that come in from other leagues especially patience.
“Sancho is another example. I bet you see a better player with Sancho next season for sure.”