Rio Ferdinand includes Jonny Evans and Casemiro as he picks Manchester United's best starting XI when all players are fit

Rio Ferdinand has named Manchester United's best starting XI when there are no injuries in the squad. The pundit has included the likes of Jonny Evans, Casemiro, and Leny Yoro.

The Red Devils have had a dismal start to the 2024-25 campaign under Erik ten Hag, who has been heavily criticized for his side's performances.

Manchester United currently languish in 14th place in the Premier League table, six points adrift of the top four. They've secured just two victories from their first seven fixtures.

While Ten Hag has struggled to find his best XI and rediscover some of their better form, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed his preferred lineup.

He said on his YouTube channel (via United in Focus):

“Right-back Dalot. Leny Yoro. Leny Yoro and you could pick any of the others, but I am going to go Jonny [Evans] because of his experience, and next to young Leny Yoro to pull him through and to communicate and to help him through at times and understand the task ahead with a bit more clarity."

"Onana goalkeeper. He has been brilliant, by the way. He has kept us in loads of games. Left-back Shaw if he’s fit. And then the two in midfield, I would go Kobbie Mainoo, and I would go Casemiro," Ferdinand added.

The former defender concluded:

"I would go Casemiro, and Bruno in the 10. And I would go Rashford on the left, Garnacho on the right, Hojlund up top.”

The Red Devils will face Brentford in the Premier League after the international break on October 19.

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"Rotation" - Rio Ferdinand aims subtle jibe at Ten Hag after Manchester United's draw against Aston Villa

Rio Ferdinand seems to have taken a subtle shot at Erik ten Hag for some of his changes to Manchester United's lineup against Aston Villa on Sunday, October 6.

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt started the Red Devils' 3-3 draw in the Europa League against Porto last week. The pair were replaced by Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans with 10 minutes left, when United were 3-2 down, after struggling to keep their opponents at bay.

Ten Hag named Maguire and Evans in his starting XI against Aston Villa, which ended in a goalless draw. Explaining the double change to Sky Sports, the Dutch boss said (via The Mirror):

"Rotation. We have so many games to cover, so we have to bring them all in, then of course you look at the opponent, what is needed for this game... and then you make a choice."

Shortly after his interview, Ferdinand posted a cryptic one-word message on his X account seemingly aimed at Ten Hag. He wrote:

"Rotation"