Usain Bolt, the eight-time Olympic gold medalist, isn’t just a legend on the track – he’s a deeply passionate, and increasingly frustrated, Manchester United supporter.
In a candid message shared on Rio Ferdinand’s show, Bolt unleashed a torrent of observations about the team’s struggles, revealing a growing anxiety over their defensive vulnerabilities. He didn’t mince words, expressing genuine distress over recurring errors.
“I just watched the United game,” Bolt confessed, his voice laced with exasperation. “One of our biggest problems is when we invite pressure to ourselves.” He pinpointed a specific moment, highlighting a critical defensive lapse where a player allowed an opponent to turn and run at the defense instead of applying immediate pressure.
Bolt’s frustration stemmed from a pattern he’s repeatedly witnessed: a tendency to retreat instead of proactively challenging opponents. “They’re always running back. All we do is invite pressure,” he lamented, pleading with Ferdinand to intervene and deliver the message to the team.
The speedster didn’t stop at simply identifying the problem; he offered a direct solution. “Please, I’m begging you, man. Tell the guys to pass the ball quicker. They pass the ball like… Oh my God.” He acknowledged his emotional outburst, admitting he was simply “venting” to a fellow football enthusiast.
Bolt’s analysis extended to individual defensive capabilities, singling out Luke Shaw as the only player who consistently demonstrates a clear understanding of defensive principles. He argued that the team relies too heavily on a rigid system, lacking the instinct to defend one-on-one.
“They don’t know how to defend one-on-one,” Bolt asserted. “All they know is system, line up and play well. They don’t know to step up, push the defender a little, pass the ball back down and then you go back into your line. This is why you have each other.”
Rio Ferdinand, while acknowledging the validity of some of Bolt’s points, offered a slightly more nuanced perspective. He agreed that quicker passing was crucial, referencing a similar observation from manager Ruben Amorim.
Ferdinand highlighted Matthijs De Ligt as a player who has demonstrated the aggressive, front-footed defensive style the manager desires, though he conceded that even De Ligt’s efforts haven’t always translated into cohesive team performance.
Ferdinand emphasized the ongoing rebuilding phase, urging fans to manage their expectations. He acknowledged that setbacks are inevitable as the team strives to rediscover its former glory.
Both Bolt and Ferdinand will be hoping for a significant improvement after the international break, with Manchester United’s next challenge coming against Everton on November 24th.
