Rio Ferdinand Reveals Details of Text Messages with Frank Lampard Prior to Everton-Man United Clash

• Rio Ferdinand reveals details of text messages with Frank Lampard prior to Everton-Man United clash
• Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard briefly had an exchange via text messages prior to the Everton-Manchester United game
• Lampard apparently told Ferdinand that Goodison Park was a difficult stadium to play at for any opponents
• United were stunned 1-0 by their relegation-threatened opponents in a blow to their top four hopes

Rio Ferdinand has opened up on the text exchange he had with Frank Lampard before the Premier League encounter between Everton and Manchester United.

Lampard’s Everton, despite a torrid week, somehow managed to get a win against a top-four-chasing Manchester United, with Anthony Gordon’s 27th-minute strike proving enough to seal all three points for the Toffees.

It was another lackluster performance from Manchester United, whose hopes of finishing in the top four are fading away fast with a handful of games remaining.

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Everton know they are not out of the woods yet, but the win will certainly boost the confidence of many fans and players within the club.

Prior to the game, Rio Ferdinand revealed that he had an exchange with Frank Lampard through texts, and the former England teammates had an interesting discussion about the game.

"I texted him last night, and we were talking about how hard it was as players to come here and the atmosphere generated by the team. That's what he's been searching for, and that's what he got. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't sexy football, and that's probably not how Frank Lampard sees his teams playing in the long-term." Ferdinand told BT Sport.

“They've got eight games left after this; they need to make this place a fortress. I don't care who you are or how many big games you've played in your career, this is hard, hard football and they make it ugly”

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Rangnick questions whether Man United deserve Europe

Meanwhile, interim boss Ralf Rangnick seemed to suggest Manchester United might not be in a position to qualify for the Champions League next season.

The gaffer bemoaned his side’s ability to get past an Everton team that had been hammered 3-2 by Burnley only a few days ago.

"If we play like we did here we just don't deserve it," said Rangnick.

"The players themselves should be eager to play international football, if possible Champions League. In order to qualify for Europe you have to be able to score in 95 minutes in a game like this."

De Gea slams Man United attackers

United goalkeeper David De Gea also shared Rangnick’s sentiments as he was also critical of his side’s inability to break down Everton.

In his post match press conference, De Gea did not hold back in his criticism as he slammed his teammates for ‘unacceptable’ play.

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"They (Everton) played Wednesday and they were tired but they had more desire than us, that is not acceptable. " he said.