Ex Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has defended United boss Jose Mourinho over comments he made about the commitment of some of his injured players.

As reported by Tribalfootball, Mourinho made a slight at Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in a press conference prior to his sides Europa League semi final clash with Celta Vigo, questioning their commitment in recovery and to the team, and Ferdinand believes he has the right do so.

"I think the modern day player sometimes does not want to get back on the pitch as quick," Ferdinand said on BT Sport.

"I think it is born out of frustration that he can't field his best team, or find his best team and play it consistently.

"Each week there is a player that falls away and that frustration comes out in his press conferences."

Smalling was an unused substitute for the Celta clash, and Jones was left out of the squad.