Rio Ferdinand criticizes Manchester United player for a “soft tackle” leading up to Brighton’s late winner.

Rio Ferdinand criticizes Manchester United player for a “soft tackle” leading up to Brighton’s late winner.

Rio Ferdinand has criticized Manchester United winger Antony for what he called a “powder puff tackle” that led to Brighton’s dramatic late winner in their recent Premier League clash. The Red Devils suffered their first loss of the season at the Amex Stadium, falling 2-1 to the Seagulls in a match marked by missed opportunities and defensive lapses.

The game saw Brighton’s Danny Welbeck score his 100th career goal, putting the home side ahead. Manchester United responded with an equalizer from Amad Diallo, only to be denied a potential winning goal when Joshua Zirkzee’s effort was ruled out for offside. However, the decisive moment came late in the game when substitute Antony failed to effectively challenge Simon Adingra on the edge of United’s penalty area. Adingra was able to recover the ball and cross it into the box, where Joao Pedro headed home the winner.

Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender and club legend, was particularly scathing in his assessment of Antony’s contribution to the goal. Speaking on TNT Sports, Ferdinand expressed his frustration, saying, “He has to smash him there, he has to go through that and take everything. Antony with a powder puff tackle there.”

Manchester United Antony’s terrible tackle attempt against Brighton

Rio Ferdinand calls out Man Utd star’s ‘powder puff tackle’

Ferdinand’s comments quickly gained attention on social media, with fans both amused and critical of the Brazilian winger’s lack of aggression. Additionally, Ferdinand pointed out defensive lapses from Matthijs de Ligt and Scott McTominay, who left Pedro unmarked at the back post, compounding United’s defensive woes. The defeat has intensified scrutiny on Erik ten Hag’s side as they struggle to find consistent form early in the season.