Manchester, Jan 14: Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has asserted that Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has the toughest job among his contemporaries in the English Premier League (EPL) this season.
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Speaking on the new managers that have come to the EPL this season including the likes of Pep Guardiola, Juergen Klopp and Antonio Conte, Ferdinand said the Portuguese has not had it easy trying to change the philosophy of the club from previous incumbent Louis Van Gaal's regime.
"The roving eye just looking for an entertaining football match probably won't see it, but in terms of defensive positions and shielding the back four, he's one of the best I've played with. I think he's the best around at the moment," Ferdinand said.
"When there's a turnover and Michael receives the ball, he doesn't play it sideways if he doesn't have to; he'd rather play a ball through the lines and into the attacking third.
"Our most dangerous players are our attacking players and they need the ball quick and early. Over the last few years, we were playing so slowly that other teams were able to get back into their two blocks of four and wait for us to break them down," the former Manchester United star added.
"That becomes difficult, no matter who you are, whereas when Carrick plays, he gets the ball, plays it through the lines and then our attacking players are facing the opposition's back four, which gives us more opportunities to get shots off or create chances, and goals are scored this way."
IANS