Rio Ferdinand wants Man Utd to be as ‘brutal’ with players as Dan Ashworth exits

Speaking on his ‘Rio Presents’ podcast, former United defender Ferdinand said: “Confusion is the first thing that springs to mind."

Rio Ferdinand has questioned the departure of Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth, pictured (Mike Egerton/PA)

Rio Ferdinand has questioned Manchester United’s decision to part company with sporting director Dan Ashworth after just five months and called on club co-owners Ineos to be just as “brutal” with their under-performing playing squad.

Ashworth left the club over the weekend, with his exit seen as part of a mass restructuring at Old Trafford, which has seen around 250 staff members made redundant since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.