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'I used to shout': Rio Ferdinand names the Manchester United player who he used to clash with all the time

Rio Ferdinand has named one Manchester United player he used to clash with all the time during his time at the club.

The former defender was a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s hugely successful Manchester United side.

That era was defined not just by talent, but by a winning mentality driven by big personalities and fierce leaders in the dressing room, Ferdinand included.

Known for his commanding presence and vocal leadership at the back, Ferdinand has now opened up on how his demanding nature often led to on-pitch confrontations with teammates and one player in particular was on the receiving end of it a lot.

TNT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand looks on during match between Aston Villa and Fulham

Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images

Rio Ferdinand says he argued with Wayne Rooney all the time

Ferdinand named Wayne Rooney as the player he argued with most during matches, often exchanging heated words throughout games, and sometimes even continuing the confrontation into half-time.

The argument stemmed from recent comments from England manager Thomas Tuchel about Jude Bellingham being an intimidating figure, suggesting that even his teammates are intimidated by him.

Ferdinand however dismissed this as a non-story, recalling his time at Man United and being a similar loud figure who was always pushing his teammates.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Ferdinand said: “I might not have I might have been deemed this the same because I used to shout and and borderline abuse players during games. I probably argued with Wayne Rooney more than anybody at Man United all the time in game.

“I don’t think we had a sentence without swear words and sometimes cutting words and aggression and you finish the game or you even get to half time and you argue again and go at each other.

“You get your result or whatever happens and at the end of the game you’re sitting there having a drink together or travelling wherever on the coach whatever and you’re having a laugh playing cards like you you’d have had that in your change room.

“This is what happens but it’s almost like from I don’t know the media standpoint like one where obviously the manager said what he said but then everybody jumps onto it and creates a massive massive story.”

Rio Ferdinand once called Wayne Rooney to complain about two Man United players

Ferdinand is regarded as one of Premier League’s best defenders of all time, for his role in Manchester United’s most successful era.

Since Ferguson’s departure, however, Ferdinand has watched his former club fall from grace.

Despite several managerial changes, no one has been able to revive the glory days or, more importantly, restore the winning mentality that once defined United.

In fact, many players have been criticised over the years for their poor attitude behind the scenes which has played a part in United’s downfall.

Two former players, in particular, have often been criticised for their role in disrupting the culture, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard.

Ferdinand has previously singled the pair out for posting a video of them dancing inside the dressing room while United sat sixth in the Premier League.

The former centre-back revealed how he once called Rooney who was still at United at that time, asking him how he is allowing this attitude from the players.

Ferdinand revealed during an episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents Podcast: “I’ll tell you when it changed, from the outside at least.

“I rang Wazza and said, ‘What’s going on here? How are you allowing this?’ And he said ‘You can’t say nothing man, it’s not the same anymore’.

“He said ‘It’s not just those two, there would be a big group looking at me like I’m mad if I said anything’.”

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