Rio Ferdinand 'Couldn't Believe' BT's United Man Of The Match Pick And Texted Them His Own

Rio Ferdinand wasn't happy with Martin Keown choosing Diogo Dalot as Man of the Match during Brentford vs Manchester United.

United interim manager Ralf Rangnick started Dalot ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka once again in Wednesday's 3-1 win.

The full-back put in a solid display and it saw Keown name him Man of the Match - an award Ferdinand thinks belonged to Scott McTominay.

Former United defender Ferdinand was so confused by Keown's decision, he texted the former Arsenal defender from the BT Sport studio.

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"Martin on commentary was the person who gave Dalot man of the match, I couldn't believe it," Ferdinand joked at full-time.

"McTominay was head and shoulders above everybody. I texted him [Martin] saying, 'what's going on?'"

The 25-year-old has become an important player under Rangnick and previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, regularly playing alongside Fred in central midfield.

United's midfield has come under scrutiny in recent years and many believe they need to strengthen in that position.

McTominay has given a good account of himself since breaking into the first team however.

Ferdinand revealed he spoke to McTominay while out a few weeks ago and discussed his development.

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He continued: "I saw him in a restaurant last week and just spoke to him briefly about working hard and playing hard and that's all you hear about him.

"He's an honest kid, he wants to do well and improve.

"You saw in his game today where his intensity and desire, you could see it from the first minute.

"At Manchester United, you need a certain amount of ability but personality and character are what gets you through and enables you to stay at this club for a long time.

"He's shown that in a time of need when this club has been shaky at the best of times."

United were under pressure in the first half at the Brentford Community Stadium and David de Gea made a number of quality saves.

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A much better second half saw United go ahead through Anthony Elanga's smart finish.

Mason Greenwood doubled their advantage just past the hour mark and Marcus Rashford scored his first goal since October after coming off the bench.

Ivan Toney netted a consolation in the 85th minute to deny the visitors a clean sheet.

Topics: Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand, Diogo Dalot, Scott Mctominay, Premier League, Brentford

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a social editor for SPORTbible after moving from the writing team. Nearly scored past Stormzy at Old Trafford once.

@DanMarland_