Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has offered his explanation for why several players appear to have improved significantly after leaving Old Trafford.
Players including Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga and Antony have enjoyed impressive spells away from United, while Marcus Rashford has also started a new chapter with Aston Villa.
McTominay has been a key player for Napoli, while Elanga has impressed with Nottingham Forest. Antony has also made a positive start to life at Real Betis, registering a goal and an assist in his opening two appearances for the Spanish club.
Rashford made his Aston Villa debut on Sunday, coming off the bench during their 2-1 FA Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking on the Rio Presents podcast, Ferdinand believes players can flourish after leaving United because they are no longer under the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with playing for the club.
You look at Antony, he’s got a man-of-the-match performance and a goal and assist in two games. McTominay is playing like primetime Jude Bellingham at the moment. You’ve got Elanga, who’s a flying winger,
Ferdinand said.
You’ve got all these players that are leaving the club that are looking like new, dynamic footballers because the shackles are off, and the cloud and the pressure of Old Trafford, the badge, all that that brings, is allowing them to go ‘you know what, wow, what a difference that is.’
Ferdinand believes Rashford could also rediscover his best form away from Old Trafford.
You’re probably going to see the same from Rashford. It’s about unlocking what has unlocked Old Trafford for these players to perform.
