Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand launches another bizarre attack on Newcastle United fans

The former Manchester United defender has ridiculously advised Magpies supporters to have a whip-round and purchase the club from Ashley themselves.

Indeed, it’s not the first time Ferdinard has delivered a controversial view when supporting Ashley’s 14 tenure.

In January 2019, the 42-year-old insisted the St James’s Park faithful should say “thank you” to the Sports Direct tycoon.

Now, Ferdinard believes if United fans really want Ashley to sell up then they should raise the £300million asking price.

“He doesn't care what people think,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. “It’s his club and he’s doing what he wants to do.

“Whether you like it or not, he’s the one that’s put the money up and he’s doing what he thinks is right for the club.

“Whether the Geordies don’t like it, a lot of them hate him and don’t like him but, round your money up and take over the club then.”

Should Newcastle be relegated this season, it will be the third time the club has dropped into the Championship under Ashley.

Rather than criticise the lack of investment overall, Ferdinard insists anger should be directed towards the club’s academy system.

He added: “That’s my biggest point with Newcastle, like, they’ve got that area locked off, all of the North East is basically Newcastle’s because Middlesbrough aren’t in the Premier League, Darlington etc are not in the Premier League," he added.

"So they have first dibs on all of the talent in the North East. Why have they not nurtured more players into that first team? I don’t get it.

“Whether it is investment, or the quality of that the structure of that process at the club isn’t right. If I was a Geordie, if I was a Newcastle fan, that’s where I would be shouting and pointing my finger.

“Not enough has been done with the talent that must be kicking around in Newcastle. It’s impossible to think there aren’t more (good local players who should have been developed).”

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