Manchester United legend has explained why a number of players seem to perform significantly better after departing Old Trafford.
Several stars including Scott McTominay (Napoli) and Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest) look reborn away from the pressures of Old Trafford.
McTominay has managed six goals and four assists as Napoli top the Serie A table. Elanga has equally been impressive for Forest this term, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side strongly pushing for a Champions League finish.
Even Antony, who could barely get a game at United has hit the ground running in Spain with Real Betis. In the two appearances he’s made for the club, the Brazilian winger has registered a goal and an assist and also won the man-of-the-match awards on both occasions.
Marcus Rashford made his debut for Aston Villa on Sunday as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup, coming on as a second-half substitute and looked good during the time he was on the pitch.
Speaking on the Rio Presents podcast, Ferdinand indicated that players flourish after leaving United because they no longer have to deal with the scrutiny and pressure of being part of England’s biggest football 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.
“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.’
“You’re probably going to see the same from Rashford. It’s about unlocking what has unlocked Old Trafford for these players to perform.”
