Manchester United legend makes shocking claim about Red Devils star

The Manchester United legend has made a shocking claim about one of the club’s current players and it is rightly being put to question.

Once upon a time Manchester United had one of the most formidable defences in the world. At the heart of that defence was Rio Ferdinand. The England international is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best defenders to have played for the Red Devils.

Rio Ferdinand lifted one title after another during his time at Old Trafford and he formed impressive partnerships with the likes of Nemanja Vidic.

Therefore when it comes to opinions about United’s defence Rio Ferdinand knows what he is talking about.

The Red Devils have struggled defensively this season under the leadership of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. This is despite the fact that the Norwegian boss invested heavily in defensive reinforcements in the summer.

The arrival of Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka was supposed to herald a defensive dynasty and stability for the next decade. However so far that has yet to have occurred. Instead United have shipped more goals and have looked even more vulnerable than compared to last season.

This has been a huge concern to many Red Devils fans who have seen their side fall to some embarrassing defeats and the club is still trailing that long coveted top four spot.

It seems Rio Ferdinand has identified why the defensive problems have occurred at United. According to the club legend via the Metro Solskjaer ‘acted too swiftly’ in allowing Chris Smalling to leave the club in the summer for AS Roma. Ferdinand declared that he believed Chris Smalling was the ‘best defender at the club.’

That statement is a bit jarring considering the club have Harry Maguire in their ranks who they paid a world record fee for.

However, Rio Ferdinand is perhaps not wrong in his assessment. Since Chris Smalling’s arrival on loan at Roma he has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Serie A and has quickly become a fan favourite.

The Red Devils have certainly missed him amidst their injury crisis and his return will be very welcome at the end of the season.

What do you think is Chris Smalling the best defender at Manchester United?