Rio is joined by Ste Howson and Joel Beya in the aftermath of Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United. Rio reveals how he would setup a team to successfully defend Arsenal’s set pieces and details the concerns about the attacking talent that new manager Ruben Amorim has at his disposal. There’s a lot of praise for William Saliba and Leny Yoro and analysis of Chelsea’s credentials in the title race along with Enzo Maresca’s comments about Noni Madueke’s training standards. Rio has also spoken to...
Dec 05, 2024•56 min
Jorginho comes to the pod studio to meet Rio for the first time since the pair had some beef on social media. They discuss those negative comments Rio made in 2019 about the Italian’s game and why they ‘touched’ Jorginho more than any other criticism he took at the time. The Arsenal midfielder reveals why manager Mikel Arteta is “better than he expected”, what part of Bukayo Saka’s game can be improved to ensure he’s considered amongst the world’s elite and talks about his strong connection with...
Dec 02, 2024•53 min
Rio, Joel and Ste are reunited to look back at Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge of Manchester United to discuss whether the players like Marcus Rashford are equipped to deal with the Portuguese’s dramatic tactical shift and identify those players who could benefit most from it. They look at the concerning statistics related to United’s goalscoring which pre-dates even Erik Ten Hag and pick their favoured front three to fit into Amorim’s 3-4-3. Ste then switches attention to the title race foc...
Nov 25, 2024•51 min
Robert Lewandowski sits down with Rio Ferdinand to discuss his legendary career and share insights into the minds of two of football’s greatest managers: Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp. Hear Lewandowski’s honest take on Guardiola’s tactical brilliance and intense preparation, including how he interacted with the players at Bayern Munich. Lewandowski also opens up about Klopp’s unique ability to inspire and motivate players, recalling how one heartfelt conversation at Dortmund changed the traject...
Nov 21, 2024•51 min
Robbie Keane joins Rio Ferdinand and Joel Beya to tackle a burning question in today’s football: why is there a shortage of elite strikers in the modern game? A member of the Premier League’s 100 club, Keane shares his candid thoughts on what’s changed, compares the current crop of forwards to players from his era such as Zola, van Nistelrooy, Berbatov, Torres, Owen, Fowler, Henry and Bergkamp and discusses why the art of striking might be a dying craft. Robbie also dives into incredible stories...
Nov 18, 2024•56 min
Rio is reunited with his old team mate Edwin van der Sar who speaks for the first time since suffering a brain haemorrhage. This exclusive interview covers the different perspective that serious event has given him, the Champions League victory in 2008, and Edwin also gives his view on the current Manchester United number one, Andre Onana. The pair look at the impact Erik Ten Hag had at Ajax, why he wasn’t able to succeed at Old Trafford and the strategies and personalities required in order for...
Nov 13, 2024•51 min
Why MUFC should “100%” keep Ruud | Comparing Rodri and Odegaard to Paul Scholes After taking charge of 4 games, Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves discuss why Manchester United should look to keep Ruud van Nistelrooy in some capacity at the club following the arrival of Ruben Amorim. Owen analyses a whole host of Premier League midfielders and has huge praise for both Rodri and Martin Odegaard as well as analysing why Bruno Fernandes has been much more effective since the departure of Erik Ten Ha...
Nov 11, 2024•47 min
Jody Morris joins Rio and Joel on this episode to look at the priorities for the new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. After being labelled the Premier League’s ‘worst pressing team’ after drawing 1-1 with Chelsea, Jody breaks down what a coach needs to have in place to create a successful press and details the reasons why United haven’t been able to sustain that style of play for 3 seasons. There’s a shoutout for Nottingham Forest right back Ola Aina and more flak for Joel after Arsenal g...
Nov 04, 2024•53 min
Man United have officially announced new manager Rúben Amorim has taken charge at Old Trafford. Rio gives his instant reaction to the news and what it might mean for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. Rio breaks down how Amorim might setup at Man United and what his management style is like. What do you make of Man United's appointment of the Portuguese coach? Is he the man to lead Man United back to the glory years? Or is he just another Erik ten Hag? Remember to like, comment and subscribe i...
Nov 01, 2024•14 min
Following Ronaldo and Beckham is the Rolls-Royce defender Virgil van Dijk who braves rainy conditions to speak to Rio about his career. After starting in his native Netherlands, Virgil details the lessons he learned following his move to Celtic and discusses the impact of new manager Arne Slot. Liverpool’s captain also praises Arsenal’s William Saliba and talks about his favourite battles with Premier League strikers whilst dissecting the tactical make-up of both Jurgen Klopp and Slot’s teams. T...
Oct 31, 2024•36 min
After the pod reacting to the news of Erik Ten Hag’s departure from Old Trafford, Rio sits down with Joel Beya and former team mate Patrice Evra to work out what went wrong for the Dutchman. Rio and Pat discuss the way that Sir Alex Ferguson managed crises, motivated players and worked on tactical instructions to get the best out of the team. The pair also look at why the club has not been able to replicate the level of success they both enjoyed as team mates as well as looking at the Premier Le...
Oct 28, 2024•49 min
Whilst in South Korea Rio hooks up with two former team mates Nemanja Vidic and Dimitar Berbatov to discuss arguments they had in training and what they were like in the dressing room. Nemanja reveals how much Dimitar has changed since their days shared at Old Trafford and Berbatov analyses the attributes and mentality of Rasmus Højlund whilst identifying areas he needs to improve. The trio reminisce about specific incidents on the training pitch and discuss why Berbatov used to frustrate his te...
Oct 21, 2024•53 min
in this video, join Rio Ferdinand and Ste as they sit down to watch the latest Beckham video! As they view key moments from David Beckham's incredible career stories, Rio and Ste share their thoughts and insights. They discuss the lessons they've learned from Beckham's journey, from his relentless work ethic, stubbornness and his passion for the game. The duo also dives into some of Beckham’s unforgettable on-field moments, comparing their own experiences and how they shaped their careers. As th...
Oct 18, 2024•26 min
Rio Ferdinand and David Beckham! Exclusive! Join us as they reminisce about their legendary careers and share the good times! Plus, hear Beckham’s thoughts on the current football landscape as he compares himself to Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, discussing their playing styles and the evolution of the game. Beckham also speaks on Romeo and his allegiance to Arsenal! Beckham’s take on Lionel Messi and how he has helped elevate football in the USA. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 11 min
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Oct 15, 2024•12 min
Peter Kenyon and Ste Howson are with Rio this week to discuss how clubs operate when a manager is ‘under pressure’. After Ste probes Peter about why Ronaldinho wasn’t able to make the move to Old Trafford, he also finds out how the club began searching for Sir Alex Ferguson’s replacement after he announced his retirement in 2002, a decision he eventually reversed. Peter gives his verdict on the way Manchester United handled the meeting of club hierarchy a week ago, Rio discusses the impact...
Oct 14, 2024•45 min
Rio is joined by his former team mate Phil Jones alongside Joel Beya on this episode where the trio delve into reasons for the club’s decline over the past decade, hearing from the man who straddled Sir Alex Ferguson’s final years and the decade after he left. They discuss the aura of managers like Jose Mourinho, the importance of players like Jonny Evans and how few current players could deal with the pressure of that United dressing room, save for a couple of significant exceptions. Rio sugges...
Oct 07, 2024•54 min
Welcome back to Rio Reacts! In today’s video, I’m diving into Manchester United’s rollercoaster match against Porto that had our WhatsApp groups buzzing! 🚀⚽ In this episode, we’ll cover: Marcus Rashford’s early brilliance: Was he in his element during the first 20 minutes? Defensive woes: United’s poor defending allowed Porto back into the game. We’ll discuss the alarming trend of conceding quick goals in Europe and the crucial need for better game management. Centre-back performance: Did Marti...
Oct 04, 2024•19 min
Rio and Joel are joined by England coach Joleon Lescott to discuss the lack of identity with Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United squad. The trio explore the structural issues with the team, identify what needs to be improved and compare the manager’s reign to the early stages of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal career. Joleon reveals the player he’s most excited to see perform on the senior international stage for England and discusses the under rated ability of Curtis Jones who played alongside Cole Palmer ...
Sep 30, 2024•48 min
The band are back together! Join them as they break down the key moments from the 3-0 defeat, including Bruno Fernandes' controversial red card. What went wrong for United? How long does ETH have left? Can they bounce back after this setback? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 29, 2024•24 min
Rio gets his old mate Mark Noble on the pod this week to discuss what it’s like playing against Manchester City at the Etihad with your backs against the wall, the way Erik Ten Hag is selecting his players after ‘rotating’ Marcus Rashford and the impact that Pep Guardiola is having on British football from lower league academies to the way clubs like West Ham are working with their young players. Noble challenges Rio to a game of padel tennis and also reveals why his confidence took a big hit wh...
Sep 23, 2024•48 min
Following the North London derby, Rio and Joel sit down with former Arsenal midfielder Jermaine Pennant to discuss how confidence affects players. From the Arsenal defensive pair to Marcus Rashford, Rio and Jermaine reveal how they dealt with periods of low confidence and also how self confidence affected their game at different stages of their careers. The trio also look at the impact of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover on Mikel Arteta and compare the Arsenal set-pieces to the tactics employed by ...
Sep 16, 2024•50 min
Rio Ferdinand sits down with the biggest name in football for an EXCLUSIVE interview, his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo! As they dive in and discuss Manchester United currently and where they need to improve, how Ruud van Nistelrooy can be a big influence at the club, Ronaldo’s constant evolution as a player, joining Real Madrid, Bellingham and Mbappe at Real Madrid, want to reach 1,000 career goals, always being competitive and Cristiano Jr’s future in football, the tears ...
Sep 12, 2024•36 min
After Carsley’s first match in charge of the senior England team, Rio Ferdinand is joined by Joel Beya and Jody Morris to discuss what impressed them about his start along with the transition from Under 21’s football both as a player and a coach. You’ll hear Jody analyse Trent Alexander Arnold’s midfield play, Rio reveals the best tactical advice Sir Alex Ferguson gave him and the pair reminisce about their experiences with England Under 21s which usually ended up in a bar, in trouble or both. F...
Sep 09, 2024•47 min
Join Rio and Ste as we dive into the latest predictions and discussions around Manchester United's prospects this season! 🤔🏆 Rio Ferdinand has tipped Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and United to finish in the top 4 — but how confident are we in backing United for a top-four finish? We’ll break down where we rank United's squad compared to the rest of the Premier League — is it a top 4 squad? How do we compare to Chelsea's lineup? 🔍⚽ Plus, we'll share our hopes for the team this season a...
Sep 04, 2024•28 min
Owen Hargreaves makes his first appearance of the season to analyse the Manchester United midfield and where they’re going wrong. After that 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, they discuss what Casemiro requires in order to succeed at the club and identifies numerous problems with the team’s style of play. Rio and Owen tell us how Sir Alex Ferguson dealt with players in a poor run of form, the conversations those players had on the pitch and in training and then look at different ways teams can defend aga...
Sep 02, 2024•41 min
First, we explore Jadon Sancho's sensational move to Chelsea. What does this transfer mean for the Blues, and how will Sancho fit into their dynamic squad? We break down the details of the deal, his potential impact on the team, and what Chelsea fans can expect from their new star signing! 💙⚽️ Next, we analyse Raheem Sterling's unexpected loan to Arsenal. What led to this surprising decision, and how will the Gunners utilise his talents? Is this a game-changer for Arsenal's season? We'll give y...
Aug 31, 2024•16 min
In today's podcast, we dive into the latest transfer news as Manchester United secure the signing of Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte. What does his arrival mean for the squad, and how will Erik ten Hag integrate him into the team's plans? We break down Ugarte's style of play and what he brings to the table for United. Plus, the buzz around a potential swap deal involving Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling is heating up! We explore the possibility of this exchange, discussing the impact it could...
Aug 28, 2024•10 min
Rio and Joel are back from their holidays and have invited former Chelsea and Manchester United CEO Peter Kenyon to the studio to find out what really happens in the final week of the transfer window. The trio discuss how Chelsea have approached their transfer business recently, Rio discusses what Raheem Sterling’s next move could be and Peter remembers what Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho were both like during player negotiations. Plus they discuss the start to the INEOS regime at Mancheste...
Aug 26, 2024•50 min
In the first episode of Rio Presents, Rio Ferdinand is joined by newly appointed England first team coach Joleon Lescott and former Chelsea assistant manager Jody Morris to delve into the biggest talking points in the game. The trio analyse the way Chelsea are treating players they wish to sell including how they’re communicating with Raheem Sterling and the fact players are being told they’re surplus to requirements via email. Jody Morris analyses the best CDMs in the Premier League including R...
Aug 19, 2024•50 min