Rio: Fellaini Dismissal Harsh

Rio Ferdinand believes Marouane Fellaini was “unfortunate” to be sent off during Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad on Tuesday.

The midfielder was a standout performer in San Sebastian until referee Nicola Rizzoli dismissed him for a second bookable offence in added time, a seemingly harsh decision that left the Reds to finish the Champions League Group A match with just 10 men.

Thankfully, United managed to comfortably hang on and although the draw could be viewed as something of a missed opportunity, Ferdinand is content with his side’s performance at the Anoeta Stadium – even if slightly aggrieved for his Belgian team-mate.

“I thought we defended well as a team, we pressed them in the middle of the park and got up against them,” Rio told MUTV. “Felli won a lot of balls in midfield and was maybe a little bit unfortunate with the sending off. I think he only made three or four tackles in the whole game but that is what happens in Europe sometimes.

“There’s a little bit of frustration. When you get a penalty, you expect to score. We had a couple of half-chances with Chicharito getting across the post once and Robin (van Persie) hit the post once as well. But, it’s important to keep a clean sheet away in Europe and hopefully steal a goal here or there. It was just unfortunate that we didn’t get the rub of the green.”