Rio Ferdinand Rio Presents YouTube channel
Image Credits: Rio Presents / YouTube
Manchester United’s 2024-25 campaign was one of the most damaging in modern club history.
Despite high hopes under Ruben Amorim, United limped to a 15th-place Premier League finish, missed out on European football, and exited domestic cups without a fight.
With no silverware and morale at rock bottom, this summer is being viewed as a turning point.
A much-needed reset where significant changes are expected on and off the pitch.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Multiple first-team players are tipped to depart as United try to rebuild a more cohesive, balanced squad.
While Amorim and the recruitment team look to reshape the club in his image.
Amid this reset, attention has turned to former players who have already departed.
As well as those who are now thriving elsewhere.
Scott McTominay and Antony, two players once regularly criticised during their time at Old Trafford, have transformed their careers abroad.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
McTominay left United permanently last summer, joining Napoli in a £25.7m deal and becoming a central figure under Antonio Conte.
The Scottish midfielder was pivotal in Napoli’s Serie A title triumph, earning the Most Valuable Player award in his first season.
Antony also impressed, spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Real Betis.
The Brazilian helped the club qualify for the Europa League and reach the Conference League final.
Rio Ferdinand has now weighed in on why the duo have thrived since leaving Manchester.
Rio Ferdinand puts Antony and McTominay resurgence down to less pressure
Speaking to ESPN, Ferdinand said: ‘They came into an environment at United which was lacking confidence, under stress, deep scars from things that have gone on before…’
‘It’s different at Manchester United. The pressure is huge.
“And these guys have gone to Napoli and they’ve gone to Betis.
“No disrespect, but smaller clubs in terms of pressure.
“And you’re seeing the best version of them. I’m happy for them, it’s good.’
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
McTominay himself described the Napoli experience as ‘a dream’, while Conte hailed his growth: ‘He never had a primary role at Man United, while here we gave him one… now he’s a complete player.’
These examples reinforce a wider truth: the environment at Manchester United continues to be a major factor in individual player performance.
With a lack of squad balance, constant managerial upheaval, and enormous pressure placed on young players, even top talents are struggling to thrive.
A problem the club must fix if it wants success to return.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!