Rio Ferdinand accused of fat-shaming Man Utd influencer in bitter social media row

Rio Ferdinand is facing a backlash after an acrimonious social media exchange with Manchester United content creator Saeed TV, in which the former England defender appeared to mock the influencer’s physique.

The row began when Ferdinand shared a photo of himself alongside Michael Carrick, quoting the current Middlesbrough manager’s words about the importance of the club over any individual. The post was widely interpreted as a response to criticism of United’s hierarchy, with some suggesting it was aimed at Lisandro Martinez following the Argentine’s public comments about the club’s squad depth.

Saeed, a prominent United content creator, responded by urging Ferdinand to direct his platform toward challenging the club’s ownership: “Stop yapping and call out the owners!” Ferdinand fired back with a comment widely condemned as body-shaming: “Stop yapping and pick up ya t**s, ya out a breath typing!”

Saeed subsequently posted a video addressing the exchange, calling Ferdinand’s conduct unbecoming of a public figure. “You are a grown man and this is the response you put on social media,” he said. “You have got kids watching you. You are a role model to so many around the world, and yet this is how you conduct yourself. It’s absolutely embarrassing.”

He added that the personal insult had not rattled him personally, given his experience of online abuse. “It doesn’t affect me because I’ve been through a lot on social media and above all, I’ve been racially abused, so I’ve got thick skin. For me to hold you accountable and for you to resort to that — it tells everything about you.”

Reaction among United supporters has been split. Several fans condemned Ferdinand’s language, with one writing on X: “Rio Ferdinand is an absolute disgrace. Imagine being so blind that you have to resort to this type of nonsense.” Others argued that Saeed had provoked the response, with one supporter noting: “He was disrespectful first so got disrespect back.”

Ferdinand has not publicly addressed the backlash at the time of writing.