Rio Ferdinand praises Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho’s performances and makes United v Atletico prediction

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Manchester United turned on the style at the weekend to score four goals against Leeds and deliver a long overdue goal glut.

Jadon Sancho provided two assists in the win and dazzled throughout, while Paul Pogba lit up the first half before being taken off in a tactical switch and replaced with matchwinner Fred.

Former United star Rio Ferdinand has been talking up the pair on his video podcast, and is excited for their exciting form to continue.

Ferdinand told Vibe With Five when discussing Jadon Sancho: “The last few games he’s been the best player in a red shirt. Long may that continue. Keep going, we love to see that.”

He added: “Pogba was amazing. The first half you are thinking, wow, that’s that Pogba you want to see.

“He [Rangnick] brought him off, me myself I raised my eyebrows a little bit but the substitutions the manager made were spot on, both came on had an impact and scored.”

Fred’s energy helped United at a critical point in the game after a second half surge from Leeds had brought the score back to 2-2.

The Brazilian then went on to become the unlikely source of Manchester United’s third goal, hammering home from inside the box after a clever pass from Sancho. Fellow substitute Anthony Elanga scored the fourth, helping United to wrap up all three points.

The win has lifted United’s confidence at a key time, building on an earlier victory over Brighton on midweek.

Rio confident for United’s Champions League tie

This week United travel to Spain to take on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and go there feeling optimistic, with the La Liga side in poor form.

Ferdinand believes United should be looking to get at least a draw from the away leg against Diego Simeone’s side.

He said: “I see a result for United coming out of this game. I think there will be goals for both teams, I see some sort of result, positive for United.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has a particularly strong record against Atletico Madrid and knows them well from his time with Real, and also at Juventus when he knocked them out of the Champions League.

He will be desperate to add to the six goals he has already scored in the competition this season, and with Atletico’s troubles, they are a side to be respected, but not majorly feared. A last 16 exit would be viewed as a disappointment from United’s perspective.