Rio Ferdinand says Zinchenko, not Saliba, to blame for United’s first goal

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Rio Ferdinand has defended Arsenal defender William Saliba for his role in Man Uniteds first goal today, saying instead that Oleksandr Zinchenko was to blame.

United took the lead in the first half when new signing Antony slotted in past Aaron Ramsdale to get his career off to the perfect start in England. On first viewing, it looked like the Arsenal defense had backed off Marcus Rashford before he slotted Antony in on goal, in particular, Saliba.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

However, Ferdinand has assessed the situation and believes Saliba shouldnt be blamed for the goal at all, instead, insisting Zinchenko is the man to blame.

The ball got played forward and Gabriel jumps out, that’s the first mistake. He goes to ground which leaves them all at sea at the back, theyre all over the place, Ferdinand said on his FIVE YouTube channel tonight.

I dont think Saliba was too far off in his position with Rashford. As a defender hes saying to Rashford youve gotta beat me then score. The biggest mistake for me personally was that Zinchenko doesnt come in and get the ball and clamp Rashford. If youre going to come all the way in he has to win the ball. I would have preferred the left back to say if he beats me ill cover you. If I was Saliba, Id have been happy with what Id done but Id have been unhappy with that Zinchenko did.

TBRs View: Arsenal All At Sea

It happened all afternoon this but United caught Arsenal cold on the counter more than once. There were times when the Gunners back line looked like it had done at the early stages of last season, and that will concern Mikel Arteta.

In fairness to Saliba, Ferdinand makes a great point here. He couldnt really do much else and its good to see a former defender really assess something in detail to stick up for a player.

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