Advertise on podcast: Rio Ferdinand Presents

Who deserves the Ballon d’Or - the most consistent goalscorer or the player who gets you out of your seat? Ahead of the winner being announced on 26th October, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs assess the contenders and reveal their personal top threes on ‘The Debrief’. Rio makes the case for Harry Kane, while Giggs explains why Lamine Yamal’s movement, intelligence and ability to beat defenders make him so special. Drawing on their own experiences as a defender and a winger, the pair break down what makes these players so difficult to stop and why they both should be celebrated. They also discuss Michael Olise’s creativity and composure, why Kylian Mbappé’s teammates have to accept doing extra work for him, and whether Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Rodri belong in the conversation. How much should World Cup performances influence the vote? Do goals and assists tell the whole story? And can your favourite player to watch be different from the player you think deserves to win? Plus, Giggs recalls a Michael Olise debate that might require an apology, while Rio explains why United should have moved for Kane when he moved to Bayern Munich from Tottenham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Michael Carrick turn Manchester United around - or did the summer’s recruitment leave him with a squad that was never ready?Rio Ferdinand, Joel Beya and Ste Howson debate United’s 1–1 draw at Leeds, Lisandro Martínez’s public comments and who should ultimately take responsibility for the club’s difficult start.Rio argues that hindsight is making people look back on the summer with a different stance and questions what should have been done differently within the club’s financial constraints.Ste backs Martínez’s concerns about the lack of squad depth, while Joel challenges whether United got their transfer priorities right.The debate heats up over Carrick’s future. Rio and Ste explain what encouraged them about his tactical changes at Elland Road, while Joel questions the squad’s quality and puts forward Antonio Conte as an alternative.There’s also a frank discussion about the Glazers’ debt, why spending more alone won’t fix United and the personalities needed to rebuild standards inside the dressing room.Rio assesses Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos, before the trio consider United’s (lack of) defensive options for Como.Elsewhere, Rio highlights Konsa’s crucial contribution to Arsenal’s win, Joel questions whether the champions are winning convincingly enough to keep pace with City, and the boys debate the best comparison for Kylian Mbappé.Plus, Rio previews his Ballon d’Or discussion with Ryan Giggs, HEAPS praise on Lamine Yamal and trails an unmissable, upcoming Carlos Tevez interview. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio Ferdinand gives his immediate reaction to Manchester United's clash with Leeds United at Elland Road! Rio breaks down United's performance in one of English football's fiercest rivalries, looking at Michael Carrick's tactical decisions, Bryan Mbeumo's attacking threat and the defensive resilience shown under pressure. Rio also discusses Leny Yoro's growing confidence, Harry Maguire's defensive performance, Bruno Fernandes, Amad and the importance of becoming more clinical in front of goal. After a difficult start to the Premier League season, have Manchester United finally shown signs of turning things around? 💬 What did you make of United's performance? Is Michael Carrick the right man to turn things around? Let us know in the comments! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ander Herrera joins Rio Ferdinand to look back on his remarkable career across Manchester United, PSG, and Athletic Bilbao, right through to his emotional return to boyhood club Real Zaragoza. Ander opens up about the painful truth behind his departure from Old Trafford and how a contract letter from Ed Woodward left him heartbroken. He reflects on the dressing room tension between Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba, the difference between Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, and what Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjær brought to the squad. Plus, Ander gives an inside look into sharing a pitch with modern football icons: the unbelievable standard of Lionel Messi in training, Neymar's magic, Kylian Mbappé's freakish athleticism, and a hilarious training ground clash with Zlatan Ibrahimović. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martínez’s raw post-match comments have sparked intense debate across Manchester United. From the dressing room reaction to the boardroom reality under Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, Rio breaks down the consequences of taking internal frustrations public. Looking back at past exits like Roy Keane, Jaap Stam, Ralf Rangnick, and Cristiano Ronaldo, history shows that public outbursts against club hierarchy rarely end well. Rio also reflects on his own experience under Sir Alex Ferguson after a substitution clash against Bayern Munich, how squad morale is impacted, and why Michael Carrick deserves time to turn the form around ahead of a massive clash against Leeds. In this episode:The Dressing Room Fallout: What new signings and teammates think when standards are questioned publicly. Did he knock on the door first? Why speaking to Wilcox and Berrada in private changes everything. The Ferguson Standard: How Sir Alex handled players who called out the club or teammates. Backing Michael Carrick: Creating chances, converting opportunities, and the reality of a multi-window rebuild. Drop your thoughts in the comments: Did Lisandro Martínez do the right thing, or should he have kept this behind closed doors? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio Ferdinand joins Joel Beya and Ste Howson to break down Manchester United’s draw with Tottenham, question what’s changed under Michael Carrick and respond to Jamie Carragher’s comments on social media about Rio and Cristiano Ronaldo. After watching United alongside his former teammates, Rio explains why the performance left them downbeat. He examines the support Mainoo and Tielemans need, questions whether United’s approach suits their players and recalls the standards he demanded when defending crosses. Ste challenges the substitutions against Spurs, asks why Bruno Fernandes keeps playing 90 minutes and questions the squad’s balance with limited options up front. Could Carlos Baleba help change the midfield dynamic? Rio also addresses Carragher’s online tone and debates Cristiano Ronaldo’s response to the Portugal situation with Joel, drawing on his own experience of staying silent when he wishes he had spoken out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Portugal has taken another dramatic turn. Rio Ferdinand reacts to Ronaldo’s statement, revealing why the Portugal captain felt disrespected, the breakdown in communication with the manager, and why this situation may not be the end of Ronaldo’s international career. From Ronaldo reportedly considering retirement to his decision to remain with Portugal, rejecting special treatment, accepting responsibility for his own mistakes and demanding honesty and respect — this is a fascinating insight into one of football’s biggest personalities. Could Ronaldo return for one final farewell? Or could we see him continue to play for Portugal? Watch the full reaction and let us know what you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio Ferdinand is back alongside Joel Beya and Ste Howson to debate Jude Bellingham’s place among the greats, Cristiano Ronaldo’s treatment by Portugal and the technical players that England should be building around. Could Bellingham surpass Zidane, Gerrard and Lampard? Was Rooney better at the same age? And who makes way if Jude gets into Rio’s best Manchester United team? Joel sparks a serious debate about Roy Keane’s ability in his favoured central midfield role. Rio also explains why he would pick Kobbie Mainoo for England, questions whether England get enough from their most creative players (think Foden, Palmer, Scholes, Le Tissier) and considers whether a high-intensity Premier League approach can deliver success in tournament football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost £678 million in revenue, yet Manchester United are still reporting a £40 million loss. Where is the money going and what does it mean for the club’s future? The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell joins Rio Ferdinand and Ste on The Debrief to unpack United’s finances, from the lasting cost of the Glazers’ takeover to the decisions behind this summer’s transfer budget. Could United have spent more? Why were key positions left unfilled? And how do plans for a new stadium and a 2028 title challenge fit with the financial picture? There’s specific analysis on how the financial capability of the club is affected by the ongoing cost of servicing the debt from the Glazers to purchase Manchester United in 2003 - and how that affects the club in the next few transfer windows. Rio also reflects on how the players understood the takeover at the time and the only transfer window that made him question the club’s direction. An in-depth discussion about ownership, ambition and what it will take to build a Manchester United capable of competing consistently again. What’s the one question you want United’s owners to answer? Let us know in the comments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio Ferdinand is back alongside Joel Beya and Ste Howson to discuss Manchester City’s potential punishment, England’s defeat to Spain and the biggest talking points at Manchester United.Rio explains why he believes City should surrender their medals if the findings stand, sends a message to Joleon Lescott and considers how the players’ achievements should be remembered. Ste delivers his own punishment plan - including relegation and an unusual proposal to benefit grassroots football.The trio also debate Anthony Gordon’s comments about England’s identity. Rio explains why England should play to their strengths, revisits how Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were used internationally and makes the distinction between controlling matches and deciding them.Plus, Rio responds to Roy Keane’s criticism of Cole Palmer, explaining what the Chelsea forward offers that all of England’s other attacking players don’t.On United, Rio shares his experience of chatting with JJ Gabriel in the summer and explains why the club must remain firm while the family’s reasons are still unclear.He also challenges Ste’s assessment of Bruno Fernandes’ early-season form before the pair examine whether the criticism of United’s tactics is because of a fundamental difference between them and most other Premier League sides. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two-time Premier League winner Joleon Lescott joins Joel Beya and Stephen Howson for another episode of Rio Presents, bringing his experience as a defender and England coach to Manchester United’s frustrating draw at Fulham. Lescott challenges the criticism of United’s work rate, explaining why their static mid-block may have been part of Michael Carrick’s plan and why distance covered does not tell the whole story. He also identifies a bigger concern in the fact that United are capable in several areas, but lack one ‘super strength' Ste defends Marcus Rashford against the growing criticism, questions why United keep repeating the same attacking patterns and calls for a different approach while Benjamin Šeško is out of the starting XI. The trio also examine United’s defensive errors and analyse what’s behind their high shot count not translating into enough goals. Away from the Fulham reaction, Lescott offers a development coach’s perspective on JJ Gabriel’s situation and the challenges of bringing a 15-year-old into senior football. He also reveals what makes Elliot Anderson such a complete midfielder after working with him for England. Plus, Arsenal’s defeat at Brighton sparks a heated debate over Declan Rice, Gabriel and consistency from referees and pundits - before Lescott assesses whether Manchester City’s perfect start can last. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs joins Joel Beya and Stephen Howson for a special episode of Rio Presents, bringing the perspective of a player who won 13 Premier League titles and has made more appearances in the Manchester derby than anyone else. Giggs delivers a detailed breakdown of United’s frustrating home defeat to ten-man Manchester City. He explains why they failed to stretch the pitch, move the ball quickly enough or create the “wave after wave” of pressure that Old Trafford expected. The trio examine United’s poor delivery, the lack of movement in attack and why playing without a recognised centre-forward left the “wrong players” searching for the perfect cross. Ryan also offers a tactical lesson on wide play, overlapping runs and the relationships that successful teams build on the pitch. He assesses the importance of Benjamin Šeško, discusses the development of Kobbie Mainoo and Elliot Anderson, and considers whether United’s recent recruitment provides genuine cause for optimism. Away from the current team, Giggs shares stories from his record-breaking career - including Zinedine Zidane asking for his shirt, Rio Ferdinand’s first United training sessions and the moment an 18-year-old Wayne Rooney took a free kick from him before completing a debut hat-trick. Plus, Giggs gives his verdict on Arsenal’s title defence and names his favourite Arsenal player before analysing Mikel Arteta’s squad depth and Gabriel Heinze’s possible role in sharpening the champions’ defensive dark arts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In another episode of The Debrief with Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs, the two catch up after a busy summer which included Ryan bumping into Elliot Anderson before he signed for rivals Manchester City! There’s plenty to discuss for the pair including how the club should manage a “generational talent” like JJ Gabriel and what he needs to focus on in order to get more first team minutes. And after discussing his own tough period at the club where he was booed by supports, Giggs discusses how Marcus Rashford should look to rebuild his relationship with the fans at Old Trafford. You’ll also hear an unbelievable tale of how a Manchester United fan on holiday told Giggs he should sign Kylian Mbappe when he was a coach at the club before he reveals why it never happened. Plus there’s an incredible story from Ryan’s dinner with Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola before he lists the reasons why Phil Foden will bounce back after being left out of the England squad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rio Ferdinand, Joel Beya and Stephen Howson react to Manchester United’s dramatic 2–2 draw at Everton and assess the defensive problems threatening Michael Carrick’s promising rebuild. Rio explains what he likes about the developing partnership between Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans - from their one-touch football, movement and control in possession to Mainoo’s growing defensive intensity. He also reveals what he would demand from the pair as a centre-back, particularly when United are under pressure and need greater protection around the edge of the box. The team debates when United should put their faith in young centre-backs Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, what Marcus Rashford’s potential injury could mean ahead of the Manchester derby, and how Carrick can stop his side conceding two goals every game. They also break down Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea and Rio reveals one specific quality that separates Arteta’s side from all others in the Premier League. Rio shares his verdict on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s performances in midfield, praising the teenager’s composure in big moments, ability to beat the press and strength in defensive duels. Plus, the trio look ahead to United’s Champions League return, while Rio teases a mystery Manchester United legend joining the show and reveals what to expect from his special deep-dive conversation with Ryan Giggs that drops in a new format for RFP later in the week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal: Bruno Guimarães (£75m), Ezri Konsa (£55m), and Christos Tzolis (£34m) bring elite spine depth, but without a marquee killer up front, can Arteta turn narrow draws into title-winning victories? Chelsea: Biggest gross spenders in Europe (~£350m) landing Morgan Rogers (£117m), Maxence Lacroix, and Jordan Henderson, yet balancing the books with huge departures like Enzo Fernández (£125m) and Nicolas Jackson (£47m). Liverpool: Bradley Barcola arrives as the marquee £106m winger alongside Ronald Araújo on loan. Manchester City: Complete midfield transformation with Enzo Fernández (£125m), Elliot Anderson (£116m), and Ayyoub Bouaddi (£81.4m). Manchester United: Over £150m spent on Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, and Youri Tielemans. Did Carrick fix the engine room while taking a massive gamble at left-back? What grade are you giving your club's transfer window? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, hit like, and subscribe for more deep dives! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.