Locker-room veteran Rio Ferdinand believes both Manchester United old timers and youngsters will be starting with a clean slate under new manager David Moyes.
Ferdinand, who announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday, has been the bedrock of the Red Devils’ defence for 11 years.
But he insists every player will be back at square one when Moyes officially replaces Sir Alex Ferguson on July 1.
“We’ve got to prove ourselves to the new manager,” said Ferdinand. “He’s going to come in with new ideas, new rules, a new regime
“No matter how long you’ve been here, whether it’s the likes of Giggsy or myself, we’re going to be in the same boat as people like Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones, Tom Cleverley.
“We have got to make sure he feels we’re the right people to start each game.”
Sir Alex Ferguson will take a seat upstairs on the Old Trafford board after 26 years of unparalleled success.
Ferdinand revealed the team could have heard a pin drop when the Scot told them of his retirement plans – but the 34-year-old accepts it is best to depart as a winner.
“He broke the news to us and the thing I remember most is that it was dead quiet in the room, a mad silence,” added Ferdinand.
“It was just a combination of disappointment and respect for the manager’s decision, and for what he’s done for us as individuals and as a team.
“Winning the title is the way the manager would have liked to leave the club in his dreams, not looking up at other teams but saying ‘come and catch us’.”
Image courtesy of Nike Football, via YouTube, with thanks.
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