Rio Ferdinand Presents

Judging Michael Carrick by Solskjaer’s Standards Is the Wrong Debate

Rio comes in HOT after another statement victory for Manchester United, following up a win over Manchester City with victory at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. With a huge improvement in form and positivity around the club since sacking Ruben Amorim, the conversation quickly turns to why Michael Carrick should not be judged through the same lens as Ole Gunnar Solskjær.From Arsenal supporters' growing tension to Arteta’s obsession with control, the lack of freedom for Bukayo Saka and whether this really is a “now or never” moment — this episode pulls no punches on the Gunner's race for the title.Rio compares Arteta’s Arsenal to Klopp’s Liverpool and Mourinho’s Chelsea, arguing this isn’t about tactics — it’s about personality, leadership, and dressing-room energy. He then focuses on why Saka, in particular, needs reminding of the basics — discussing the need for freedom over fear.There’s also a comparison to what Ruben Amorim did with the same players which contrasts with how Michael Carrick is getting them to perform - Ste and Rio come up with and investigate those differences - paying particular attention to Patrick Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo and Diogo Dalot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If Carrick gets Champions League - any other manager is a BIG RISK! | Why Kobbie Mainoo THRIVED

After Michael Carrick brought the “feel-good” factor back to Old Trafford with a victory over rivals Manchester City - Rio is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya to analyse what made such a positive difference.There’s a discussion about whether the comments made by Paul Scholes about Lisandro Martinez were “too personal” and why Roy Keane was so negative about Jonny Evans appointment. Tactically - Ste and Rio analyse why the players were so successful at preventing Pep Guardiola’s side from creating many chances and how Carrick was able to extract the best of Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.After many fans online started comparing the stats of Matheus Cunha and Bukayo Saka - the trio debate whether Saka needs to improve his output this season, why Oliver Glasner has fallen out with the Crystal Palace board and why Sadio Mane saved African football following the unprecedented scenes at the end of the AFCON final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asamoah Gyan: I was 8th highest paid player in world! Why AFCON should be moved

Asamoah Gyan sits down for a special episode of Rio Presents exploring how he became one of the highest paid players in the world and the pitfalls that come with money and fame in such quantities. Both Gyan and Rio are strident in their belief that AFCON should be treated in the same way as other major continental tournaments (Euros and Copa America) rather than being played during the European domestic football season. Gyan reveals how confidence helped build him into the most recognised face in Ghana along with the struggles he faces when dealing with that level of fame. He also reveals the pressure a letter from Nelson Mandela added to his Ghanaian team during the first World Cup to be held in Africa and discusses why players from the continent aren’t respected in the same way as their European or South American counterparts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reaction to Michael Carrick Interim Manager! Players need confidence and freedom like Shea Lacey

Ste Howson and Joel Beya join Rio in the aftermath of a torrid Manchester United performance against Brighton and an amazing El Clasico in Saudi Arabia. There’s analysis of what Rio’s former team mate, Michael Carrick needs to bring to the role after he’s expected to be named interim manager until the end of the season and Rio analyses what Shea Lacey has shown in his limited first team appearances that separates him from his team mates.There’s a call for senior people like Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada to speak about the decisions they've taken and become more visible for the fans and Rio lays out an argument for appointing Roberto De Zerbi in the summer.With all the signs pointing to a change in formation away from Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 - Rio and Ste look at two players they think will thrive in a 4-2-3-1 system along with how best to use Bruno Fernandes.Rio shares his experience of being on the training ground with Liam Rosenior, the importance of the new Chelsea manager getting better performances from Cole Palmer and Ste shares the footballing journey of Macclesfield’s Isaac Buckley-Ricketts who played for him at Stretford Paddock after winning tournaments with England Under 19s before climbing back up the football Pyramid and scoring in the biggest FA Cup shock in history as his side beat the holders Crystal Palace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What next for Manchester United? Insight into Darren Fletcher and Jason Wilcox after Amorim Sacking

As the dust is slowly settling following the departure of manager Ruben Amorim, Rio and Joel get together to look at the immediate future for everyone involved at Manchester United Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.