Ahead of the match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates, England legend Rio Ferdinand has declared that contrary to many opinions, he doesn’t think Bukayo Saka is currently on a poor form, Softfootball understands.
The Gunners beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening fixture of the 2025/2026 season and since then Arsenal have continued to dominate the league as they top the table while the Red Devils sacked manager Ruben Amorim.
The Manchester United legend was on the set of Rio Meets official podcast where they had conversations on the topic and he gave his honest opinion. He said:
Of course (Bukayo Saka) wants to get more goals, of course he wants to get more assists. He has set a bar and it’s much higher than that. So, he will be sitting there going, you know what? I should be doing a lot more than this and better but we are top of the league and I’ve got a chance of getting a winner’s medal. So, I think, he would take a season with his foot off the gas a little bit to get a trophy. I don’t think his form has been that bad in terms of playing. I just think his numbers aren’t as good as what they were.
Rio Ferdinand has successfully reformed from a footballer to broadcaster since he retired from the beautiful game. He even travelled to Morocco to witness the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final which the Teranga Lions of Senegal won after a 1-0 victory over the host.
Here is the video of the Rio Meets official podcast with Ferdinand talking about Saka. Watch video below.
🏴 Bukayo Saka vs Matheus Cunha 🇧🇷
CC: @rioferdy5, @joelbeya, @MrStephenHowson pic.twitter.com/FnBM9CL2y9
— Rio Ferdinand Presents (@RioMeets) January 20, 2026Saka has scored just four goals this season, same as Manchester United’s new signing Matheus Cunha and they have three and two assists respectively. Arsenal are looking to extend their seven points lead on top of the premier league when they face Manchester United on Sunday while the Red Devils are eyeing a win to help them into the top four.
