Micah Richards mocks Man Utd to Rio Ferdinand's face on BBC England coverage

Micah Richards found time to take a dig at Manchester United as BBC pundits analysed England’s dour first half performance against Denmark. The Three Lions were locked at 1-1 at the interval, although their lack of intensity wasn’t the only talking point in the studio.

The shoddy surface at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt was notably cutting up from the kick off, with England right-back Kyle Walker going down at one point after losing his footing.

And host Gary Lineker referenced the pitch problems, despite joking that grounds now are “like a bowling green compared to pitches I played on.”

It prompted a rant from ex-United defender Ferdinand, who said: “Kyle Walker’s had to change his boots after 10 minutes because of the pitch. Everyone’s slipping and sliding.

“You’d think some of them have roller skates on! It does happen sometimes. You’ve just got to deal with it. Both teams have the same problem.”

Richards added: “It can unsettle you when you’re used to playing in moulded studs and you go into the proper studs. When the pitch is like that, it’s no good for the players. You’re worried about the injuries but you’ve got to get on with it.”

Ferdinand then asked “Can we get the groundsman’s name and just highlight it?” His former Man City rival responded jovially, saying: “He’s from Man United!”

Lineker and pundit Thomas Frank duly burst into laughter. Ferdinand too saw the funny side before pointing at Richards and asking: “Why’s he doing that?”

The 35-year-old appeared to be making light of the perceived lack of maintenance at Old Trafford. United have hit problems with their ageing stadium this season, with water leaking through the roof and onto supporters during matches.

The exchange was a rare light moment in the studio during what proved some downbeat analysis. The clash ultimately petered out in a draw, with both Ferdinand and Richards scathingly critical of England’s performance in the first 45 minutes.

And things didn’t improve thereafter. The scoreline stayed the same throghout the second half, with Ferdinand taking aim at England manager Gareth Southgate for failing to get the best out of his star players.