Rio Ferdinand says how Man United staff reacted when he practically ‘begged’ for a job at Old Trafford after he retired

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Rio Ferdinand is one of the greatest players to ever play for Manchester United.

The Red Devils broke the British transfer record in 2002 to sign the England defender in a deal worth £29.1 million.

Ferdinand became a star under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, and he helped the club win six Premier League titles and a Champions League when he was there.

Now 46, Ferdinand is a full-time pundit, but the legendary Englishman was desperate to return to United in some capacity a few years ago. Here’s what happened.

Rio Ferdinand says he was once ‘almost begging’ for a job at Manchester United

Ferdinand announced his retirement from professional football in 2015.

The legendary defender called it a day after over 750 games for club and country, 455 of which came for Manchester United in all competitions.

Since his retirement, Ferdinand has made a great career for himself as a pundit, but his love for United made him desperate to help the club.

So, the Red Devils legend reached out to the club and offered his services. He even claimed that he was ‘almost begging’ for a job at one point.

However, despite meetings with Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold, the doors were never opened for him to return to the club.

Ferdinand said in a video on his YouTube channel: “There was a time when, listen man, I was waiting for a call. I was actually pushing. I went and met Ed Woodward a few times, and it just never materialised.

“It wasn’t about money, it was more about just getting a chance, an opportunity and finding a place in there. I know that there was a place in the football club where I could’ve helped.

“I’m not saying we wouldn’t be in this situation or we would’ve won the league. But, I know that there are certain individuals within that team, I could help, I’m telling you. If I’m around Marcus (Rashford), I help Marcus, 100 per cent. Same with Jesse Lingard, same with (Paul) Pogba, same with Cristiano (Ronaldo) when he was there. There are certain players in that team, I know that I could have a good impact, 100 per cent.

“You can’t tell me that defenders that are coming to the club and the way they are playing, I can’t help them individually which will impact them as a collective, I’m telling you. There are so many people like me who will probably say this, but we just haven’t been able to dip our toes and be there.

“I’m not sitting here asking for a job, I don’t want to go in. No, my phone is off the hook. That time is gone. Your passion is there and you want to do it, but that was then. I was putting my arm out, almost begging at times. I want to be involved, get me involved.”

Joel Beya then asked Ferdinand when this happened. He replied: “It was when Ed Woodward was there. Even when Richard Arnold was the CEO, I went and met him a couple of times. I want to help, let me help you.”

“I would’ve loved to have done that, but it just wasn’t made possible. Sad times, man,” Ferdinand concluded.

Manchester United have a big lesson to learn

Many complaints from Manchester United fans in recent years have been that some of the players don’t know what it means to represent the club.

Even though results weren’t always great, that rarely ever happened when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was at the helm. Even recently, when Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge on an interim basis, the players stepped up.

Having old players around who have been there and done it in the Premier League could have a really positive impact on the players, staff and the whole environment of the club.

Ferdinand could’ve helped a lot, but his desire to come back to Old Trafford and help the club was crushed by those in charge at the time.

This is a big lesson for United to learn. When a club legend offers their help, the decision-makers should bring them in.