Rio Ferdinand Presents

Rio Ferdinand is back alongside Joel Beya and Ste Howson to debate Jude Bellingham’s place among the greats, Cristiano Ronaldo’s treatment by Portugal and the technical players that England should be building around. Could Bellingham surpass Zidane, Gerrard and Lampard? Was Rooney better at the same age? And who makes way if Jude gets into Rio’s best Manchester United team? Joel sparks a serious debate about Roy Keane’s ability in his favoured central midfield role. Rio also explains why he would pick Kobbie Mainoo for England, questions whether England get enough from their most creative players (think Foden, Palmer, Scholes, Le Tissier) and considers whether a high-intensity Premier League approach can deliver success in tournament football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost £678 million in revenue, yet Manchester United are still reporting a £40 million loss. Where is the money going and what does it mean for the club’s future? The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell joins Rio Ferdinand and Ste on The Debrief to unpack United’s finances, from the lasting cost of the Glazers’ takeover to the decisions behind this summer’s transfer budget. Could United have spent more? Why were key positions left unfilled? And how do plans for a new stadium and a 2028 title challenge fit with the financial picture? There’s specific analysis on how the financial capability of the club is affected by the ongoing cost of servicing the debt from the Glazers to purchase Manchester United in 2003 - and how that affects the club in the next few transfer windows. Rio also reflects on how the players understood the takeover at the time and the only transfer window that made him question the club’s direction. An in-depth discussion about ownership, ambition and what it will take to build a Manchester United capable of competing consistently again. What’s the one question you want United’s owners to answer? Let us know in the comments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio Ferdinand is back alongside Joel Beya and Ste Howson to discuss Manchester City’s potential punishment, England’s defeat to Spain and the biggest talking points at Manchester United.Rio explains why he believes City should surrender their medals if the findings stand, sends a message to Joleon Lescott and considers how the players’ achievements should be remembered. Ste delivers his own punishment plan - including relegation and an unusual proposal to benefit grassroots football.The trio also debate Anthony Gordon’s comments about England’s identity. Rio explains why England should play to their strengths, revisits how Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were used internationally and makes the distinction between controlling matches and deciding them.Plus, Rio responds to Roy Keane’s criticism of Cole Palmer, explaining what the Chelsea forward offers that all of England’s other attacking players don’t.On United, Rio shares his experience of chatting with JJ Gabriel in the summer and explains why the club must remain firm while the family’s reasons are still unclear.He also challenges Ste’s assessment of Bruno Fernandes’ early-season form before the pair examine whether the criticism of United’s tactics is because of a fundamental difference between them and most other Premier League sides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two-time Premier League winner Joleon Lescott joins Joel Beya and Stephen Howson for another episode of Rio Presents, bringing his experience as a defender and England coach to Manchester United’s frustrating draw at Fulham.

Lescott challenges the criticism of United’s work rate, explaining why their static mid-block may have been part of Michael Carrick’s plan and why distance covered does not tell the whole story. He also identifies a bigger concern in the fact that United are capable in several areas, but lack one ‘super strength'

Ste defends Marcus Rashford against the growing criticism, questions why United keep repeating the same attacking patterns and calls for a different approach while Benjamin Šeško is out of the starting XI.

The trio also examine United’s defensive errors and analyse what’s behind their high shot count not translating into enough goals.

Away from the Fulham reaction, Lescott offers a development coach’s perspective on JJ Gabriel’s situation and the challenges of bringing a 15-year-old into senior football. He also reveals what makes Elliot Anderson such a complete midfielder after working with him for England.

Plus, Arsenal’s defeat at Brighton sparks a heated debate over Declan Rice, Gabriel and consistency from referees and pundits - before Lescott assesses whether Manchester City’s perfect start can last.

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Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs joins Joel Beya and Stephen Howson for a special episode of Rio Presents, bringing the perspective of a player who won 13 Premier League titles and has made more appearances in the Manchester derby than anyone else.

Giggs delivers a detailed breakdown of United’s frustrating home defeat to ten-man Manchester City. He explains why they failed to stretch the pitch, move the ball quickly enough or create the “wave after wave” of pressure that Old Trafford expected.

The trio examine United’s poor delivery, the lack of movement in attack and why playing without a recognised centre-forward left the “wrong players” searching for the perfect cross.

Ryan also offers a tactical lesson on wide play, overlapping runs and the relationships that successful teams build on the pitch. He assesses the importance of Benjamin Šeško, discusses the development of Kobbie Mainoo and Elliot Anderson, and considers whether United’s recent recruitment provides genuine cause for optimism.

Away from the current team, Giggs shares stories from his record-breaking career - including Zinedine Zidane asking for his shirt, Rio Ferdinand’s first United training sessions and the moment an 18-year-old Wayne Rooney took a free kick from him before completing a debut hat-trick.

Plus, Giggs gives his verdict on Arsenal’s title defence and names his favourite Arsenal player before analysing Mikel Arteta’s squad depth and Gabriel Heinze’s possible role in sharpening the champions’ defensive dark arts.
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