Ferdinand criticized Manchester United for selling Lukaku sloppy: Not allowed to play its advantage

Ball Push Network, May 26, Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand directly hit the transfer scars of Old Trafford in an exclusive interview with "METRO", criticizing the club's decision to sell Lukaku "sloppy and short-sighted", and pointed out sharply: "Manchester United never really understands how to use this heavy weapon."

Lukaku, who joined £75 million in 2017, used 27 goals to prove the power of "Black Wind Defeat" in his first season. His unique attributes of "impact striker" should have become the key key for Manchester United to break intensive defense. But Ferdinand pointed out: "People always stare at his shortcomings, but ignore his best 'propelled ball + forceful eat'. Mourinho later changed his tactics, allowing him to frequently pull the edge to support him, which weakened his core threat." Data shows that Lukaku's average shot per game at Manchester United in his second season dropped from 3.4 to 2.7, and a 41% reduction in touch in the penalty area, directly leading to a decline in efficiency.

"What he needs is the 'city hammer' type instruction manual, not the role of a winger." Ferdinand's analysis hit the nail on the head. When Lukaku joined Inter Milan, Conte tailored the "strong middle run + interlude in the ribs" tactic for him, and immediately activated his double-double performance with 29 goals and 11 assists; after returning to Chelsea, Tuchel mistakenly positioned him as "pseudo-Nine", which eventually led to disagreement. In Naples this season, Spaletti made him play the role of "fulcrum control + back row impact". He scored 6 times in 14 league goals and took advantage of his physical advantage to score points, once again proving the destructive power of his "British tank" attribute in the appropriate system.

Ferdinand specifically compared McTominay's case: "Two former Manchester United players regained their life in Naples, exposing Old Trafford's tactical rigidity. Lukaku's physical condition could have become a weapon against Manchester City and Liverpool's defense, but the management was eager to clean up the 'high-paying players', but they did not think about how to transform tactics and release potential." In fact, Manchester United only recovered 54 million pounds when selling Lukaku, which compared with Chelsea and Inter Milan's "buy low and sell high" operations, highlighting the short-sightedness of the transfer strategy.

"When Lukaku celebrates the Serie A championship at the São Paulo Stadium, Manchester United fans should ask: Why are we always developing stars for other teams?" Ferdinand's questioning was loud and loud. From Van Dyke to Lukaku, from De Bruyne to Salah, Manchester United's "wrong" cases have become the topic of football talks. Perhaps as the Times said: "What should be reflected more than player choices is - why do top players always truly realize their talents after leaving Old Trafford?" This debate on "instructions for use" is essentially the ultimate proposition of "system adaptation" and "player characteristics" of modern football. When Lukaku's Serie A championship medal shines, there may be more thoughts on "how to activate players" in Manchester United's transfer room, rather than simply "buy and sell".