“It was a travesty,” says Rio as he reveals players Man Utd should not have sold

RIO FERDINAND has named the two players Manchester United should never have sold.

The former Red Devils defender admitted it was “a travesty” that one of the stars was let go after his own departure.

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Ferdinand left Old Trafford in 2014 with his centre-back Nemanja Vidic.

As teammates, the defending duo won five league titles and the Champions League in a run of 17 trophies at United.

Their departures left both Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling as potential replacements in the squad.

However, Evans would leave just a year later, a decision that Ferdinand still does not understand.

Speaking of his FIVE podcastthe 45-year-old explained: “I’ve said this many times: it was a travesty that they sold Jonny Evans. He should never have left.

“He was the best defender, the best centre-back, when I left. When I and [Nemanja] Vidic walked out the door, the experience, the vintage cars, we were gone, he was the best defender you have. I just couldn’t believe he was allowed to leave.

“Him and Chris Smalling, to be honest. I don’t think they should have left, I thought they knew the structure of the club. You need guys like that.”

Evans had won 10 trophies with United, including three league titles and the Champions League, before being sold to West Brom in 2015.

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The 36-year-old then returned to Old Trafford on a free transfer last summer.

Since then, he has played 23 games under Erik ten Hag this season.

Meanwhile, Smalling remained at the club until 2020, when he was sold to Roma after a season-long loan spell with the Italian side.

During his ten years at United, the ex-England international made 323 appearances.

Smalling also won eight trophies in that time, including league titles in 2011 and 2013.

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