The departure of Manchester United’s centre-back duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic has left a huge void and the club was premature in letting them go, according to former Red Devil Clayton Blackmore.
Man United favourite Rio Ferdinand is now a free agent after leaving Old Trafford following twelve years of service to the club.
The 35-year-old, along with defensive partner and ex-captain Nemanja Vidic, 32, faced criticism last season when they were branded as part of an ageing back four whose time at United was up.
But, age is irrelevant and their maturity and experience will be sorely missed, in the eyes of former Man United defender Blackmore.
He told Football Express News: “Last season people were going on about the ageing back four, saying they were too old and no longer good enough.
“Rio didn’t play enough games to warrant that sort of criticism, in my opinion. I think he only played a handful of games over the season but when he did play, he played well, and age shouldn’t even come into it.
“In my view when a player is fit they are good to play, regardless of their age,” he added.
Blackmore, who left Man United in 1994 and later returned to coach at the youth academy, said he was shocked by the news of Ferdinand’s departure and although there are some quality young defensive players set to break through, they still have a lot to learn.
“It was a big shock to me that we lost Rio as I think it was a bit premature, and with Vidic gone too, the club are without their two best centre halves. It’s left a big gaping hole at the back.
“There are young lads coming through in the academy but they’re still learning the game, and I think the club will struggle to find replacements with the right sort of experience to come in and immediately strengthen the back four.”