I still can't believe Manchester United sold two players - you need those types

Rio Ferdinand has spoken out about two players he believes should never have been sold by Manchester United.

Ferdinand, who was still playing for United during their last Premier League title triumph in 2013, explained that selling two key defenders resulted in the club falling behind their rivals Manchester City. Speaking on his YouTube channel FIVE, Ferdinand expressed his regret about the departures.

He said: "I've said this many times, it was a travesty that they sold Jonny Evans. He should never have been allowed to leave.

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"He was the best defender, the best centre back, when I left. When me and [Nemanja] Vidic walked out of the door, the experience, the old timers, we were gone, he was the best defender that you've got. I just couldn't believe that he was allowed to leave.

According to Ferdinand, even Chris Smalling should not have been let go. He added: "Him and Chris Smalling, to be fair. I don't believe they should have been allowed to leave, I thought they knew the fabric of the club. You need those types."

Ferdinand waved goodbye to United for Queens Park Rangers in 2014 after a 12-year stint, marking the end of an era, reports the Daily Star. Youngster Smalling was one of the promising players expected to fill Ferdinand's shoes long-term, but he was shipped off permanately to Roma in 2020 following a year-long loan in Serie A.

Evans, who bagged three league titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, was let go to West Brom in 2015. The Northern Irishman arguably had his prime years at West Brom and