Rio Ferdinand urges Sancho and Antony to learn from Arsenal star Leandro Trossard

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By Martin Graham | 15th Mar 2023

Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United forwards Antony and Jadon Sancho to take a cure from Arsenal star Leandro Trossard and bring more ‘risk’ to their pattern of play upfront.

Sancho and Antony have both endured mixed seasons at Old Trafford and Ferdinand believes they are capable of more.

Brazil international Antony has hit the back of the net seven times after 29 appearances for the Red Devils, since joining the club in a £82m move from Ajax last summer.

On the other hand, Sancho has scored five goals in 23 matches, having spent a significant period of time away from the first-team due to physical and mental issues.

Ferdinand issues attacking advise to United duo

Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “If Antony looks at his season he will sit there and go, “I’m not where I want to be, I’m not doing what I thought I would be by now”.

“Yes he’s popped up with some important goals here and there but I think if he’s honest with himself he will think there needs to be more to come from him.”

“We have to be patient as a fan-base with that. Not everyone hits the ground running. I hope he gets the time to prove what he can do.”

While the duo have not exactly done badly, Ferdinand believes they can add a more risky approach to their game, just like Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard.

The Belgian has hit the ground running since his January move to Arsenal and got a hat-trick of assists against Fulham at the weekend, taking his tally to five since he joined the Gunners.

Ferdinand added: “Trossard, for me, has been a masterstroke signing. He gives Arsenal that depth in wide areas and up front.”

“Arsenal had Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli producing miracles all season but who can come in if one of them gets injured or needs a rest? It’s Trossard now.”

“He was the one player at Brighton who I was surprised hadn’t gone earlier. Every time I watched him he did something in the game. He’s a Belgium international too.”

“When you talk about wide players not taking risks, this guy takes risk. He gets the ball, he goes forward, he plays one-twos, he dribbles, he takes people on and he can see a pass.”

“He is doing everything and more that Arteta would have wanted from him as a new signing. He’s had a massive impact at Arsenal.”