Rio Ferdinand is flawed but pay attention as Rangers prodigy's body language blows Man Utd hero away | Scott McDermott

Rio Ferdinand might not be the best TV pundit in the world.

But he knows a gifted footballer when he sees one. And at Old Trafford on Thursday night, a Rangers youngster made the former Manchester United and England superstar sit up and take notice. When Bailey Rice stepped on to the pitch at half-time in the Europa League Battle of Britain, he would have been forgiven for feeling a bit daunted or fazed by the venue and occasion.

Instead, the 18-year-old midfielder looked like he had been playing there all his life. With his shoulders back, head up and a cultured left foot, he seemed perfectly at home in the Theatre of Dreams. His body language and ability immediately caught the eye of Ferdinand in the commentary box. Remember, this is a guy who was one of the most prodigious talents of his generation, coming through the West Ham ranks with Frank Lampard and Joe Cole.

He moved to Leeds United for £18million then on to Manchester United for £30m. Ferdinand won six Premier League titles and a Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as 81 caps for England. He played with Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford. So whatever you think of his punditry skills, the former centre-back appreciates technique when it’s right in front of his eyes.

And when Rice caressed a killer pass into the path of Cyriel Dessers at Old Trafford, for the big Nigerian to hit the post, Ferdinand’s eyes widened. You could sense it in his voice. “I tell you what, I’m liking Rice, by the way. He’s come on, he looks composed and with that left foot he looks like he’s got a bit.”

Ferdinand was effusive in his praise of the Rangers starlet, who was thrown on by Philippe Clement when Connor Barron went off injured in their agonising 2-1