Rio Ferdinand has questioned Ruben Amorim’s team selection after Manchester United’s Europa League final loss to Tottenham, specifically pointing to the decision to start Mason Mount ahead of Alejandro Garnacho.
The long wait for silverware finally came to an end for Spurs as they triumphed in Bilbao, lifting their first trophy in 17 years and sealing a place in next season’s Champions League.
In contrast, Manchester United wrapped up a disappointing season without a single trophy, having failed to keep pace in the Premier League as well.
Amorim opted to trust Mount with a place in the starting XI, selecting him over Garnacho for the showdown in Bilbao.
Mount, who has endured an injury-hit campaign since joining from Chelsea, had impressed in the semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, netting twice to secure United’s spot in the final.
For the final, Amorim deployed Mount and Amad Diallo in supporting roles behind Rasmus Hojlund, with Garnacho relegated to the bench.
The Argentine youngster was introduced with 20 minutes left to play and wasted no time making an impact, forcing Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario into a save just four minutes after coming on.
Garnacho injected urgency into United’s attack, regularly troubling the Spurs defence and providing the width and directness his side had been lacking.
After the game, Rio Ferdinand expressed his concerns over Amorim’s tactical choices.
“That’s one thing I will question about the selection today for Man United,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports.
“Ruben Amorim was responsible for bringing Mason Mount into that midfield and we didn’t have anyone running in behind.
“Garnacho has done that all season, you can say what you like about his end product and his finishing but he does give you that threat stretching teams and we didn’t really see at any point Spurs stretched in that sense.”
Garnacho ends the season with 11 goals and 10 assists, second only to Bruno Fernandes in goal contributions for United.