Man United star is in WhatsApp group with ex-players who 'hammer' club weekly

Since Ferdinand's retirement in 2015 he has remained vocal about his former club, especially as a pundit and host for his podcast 'Rio Ferdinand Presents'.

On a recent episode with Man United women's star Ella Toone, he revealed the existence of a group chat filled with ex-players.

Most of the participants being those who played alongside the centre-back during Man United's glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Wayne Rooney, Edwin van der Sar, Patrice Evra and Nani to name a few.

Danny Welbeck, current Brighton & Hove Albion forward and Watford manager Tom Cleverly are also involved.

READ MORE ON MAN UNITED

I was in United academy, rejected Rangers contract but became a major darts champion

Paul Scholes says Marcus Rashford should receive ban for behaviour

The current Man United star in the group chat has over 240 appearances for the club, winning three Premier Leagues, a Champions League and FA Cup.

That man is Jonny Evans, who rejoined the Red Devils in 2023 after time at West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City.

Ferdinand explained: "We hammer each other. Active... it's active constantly.

"Wazza was the last person who spoke in there. It's called 'Band of Brothers'. I can't tell you the next bit, it won't make the cut.

Most read in Football

Arsenal starlet Lewis-Skelly has suspension rescinded as Arteta condemns abuse of referees

Major twist as Duran pushes to join Ronaldo but Al Nassr have alternative lined-up

Champions League permutations: Action-packed finale with Man City fighting for survival

Man United could ditch £72m Hojlund, Villa target Felix, Potter wants Brighton outcast

"It's just hammering the United team. Look, lads are just hammering them through the game. 'He's not good enough'. I love it. It just keeps me connected to the lads."

Toone replied: "You're busy in it, aren't you? You're on it - every other message!"

"You've got the younger lads like Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, and then there's Nani and Anderson," Ferdinand added.

"You know who joined recently? Edwin van der Sar. I think he's going to delete himself soon because the chat ain't for him.

"Who else is in there? Jonny Evans is in there, who's currently playing. Some of the stuff that goes on... Patrice Evra gets mullered, hammered all the time. We hammer each other."

Rio Ferdinand: Marcus Rashford has no way back at Manchester United

The Northern Irish international is yet to appear under Ruben Amorim but the Portuguese head coach will be displeased to say the least if he hears about this.

Amorim is not afraid to publicly critique players as he did after a 1-0 win against Fulham.

Since Marcus Rashford made his desire to leave public he has not played a single minute of football and according to reports is not on speaking terms with Amorim.

"It's the same situation for every player. If you do the maximum, if you do the right things - we can use every player. You can see it today [Sunday] on the bench - we miss a little bit of pace to go, to change the game, to move some pieces, but I prefer [it] like that.

"I will put Vital [on the bench] before I put a player that doesn't give the maximum every day so I will not change that.

As Man United sit in 12th the head coach is growing impatient of players who will not give their best efforts.