Stoke vs Man Utd: United Legend slam star defender for ‘terrible’ defending

Club legend Rio Ferdinand strongly criticised Manchester United Central defender Eric Bailly for the role he played in Stoke City’s goal on Saturday tonight.

Stoke striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting gave the Potters a shock lead against the red devils in the 43rd minute of the encounter at the Bet365 Stadium.

Former Manchester United forward Mame Biram Diouf gave the assist for striker Choupo-Moting from the right wing position, with the Cameroonian smashing in from inside the area.

He beat defender Eric Bailly to the ball, but club legend Rio Ferdinand thinks the Manchester United center-back should have anticipated the movement of the striker quicker.

(Rio) Ferdinand said at on BT Sport at half time “Manchester United have been threatening (on goal) and so have Stoke (City), playing (the) balls in behind.”

“This is a fantastic (great) ball from (Darren) Fletcher, takes the full-back out of the game(match).

“A wonderful (beautiful) cross and desire (intent) from the centre-forward (Choupo-Moting) to get in.

“But if you see (Eric) Bailly here, he’s in a good (great) position here. He (Bailly) turns his back on the center-forward (Choupo-Moting) and doesn’t know where he (the striker) is.

“(Bailly) Loses all focus, can’t get back in (in position), can’t defend (block) the cross. Terrible (poor) defending.

The match ended 2-2, with goals from England international Marcus Rashford and Belgian Romelu Lukaku putting Manchester United into the lead, before City striker Choupo-Moting equalized for Stoke City with his second.