Rio Ferdinand reveals David Moyes’ biggest failing at Man Utd was ‘thinking like an Everton manager’

Rio Ferdinand has shed light on what life was like playing under David Moyes after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure from Man United. 

The 45-year-old former centre-back played 312 games for the Red Devils from 2002 until 2014, scoring seven times.

During his time at the club, Moyes succeeded Sir Alex in June 2013 but was sacked just ten months later after failing to qualify for Europe and sitting in seventh. 

Asked what he made of Moyes on the first day of pre-season, Ferdinand told the Obi One Podcast: ‘As a professional I wanted him [Moyes] to do well and you’re giving them that time and the chance, definitely.

‘But there’s a few things you see that aren’t the same. I think the biggest thing for me was that there was always too much focus on our opponents in training. We’re Man United, they’re meant to worry about us more.

Following his sacking from United, Moyes was sacked as manager of Real Sociedad, spent a year at Sunderland then joined West Ham

‘What that does to our mindset is there’s an element of fear here and that filters through to the team and to the young players.

‘All we’re doing is talking about what are they going to do, but it should be about – what are we going to do.

‘That element there, I thought there needed to be a bigger shift from thinking like an Everton manager to thinking like a Man United manager. It needed to be how champions think.’

The former England international then added: ‘But I do actually still feel sorry for David Moyes because of the shoes he had to fill, coming to Man United from Everton is a completely different ball game.

‘Even Mourinho may have struggled coming in after Sir Alex, so to think it was an easy run for Moyes was crazy.’

Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure from Old Trafford deeply affected the club’s form and style

Ferdinand suggested even Jose Mourinho would have struggled taking over from Sir Alex

Earlier today, Ferdinand revealed that Man City insiders have been left ‘shocked’ by the news that Omar Berrada is leaving to become the CEO of their rivals Manchester United.

The 46-year-old was appointed to the position on Saturday, with new minority shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffee and his INEOS team, driving the move.

But according to Ferdinand, the statement move from United’s new owners could be more important than securing a new player in the January window.

‘I spoke to some guys at City and they can’t believe we’ve got him,’ he told his podcast FIVE on Monday.

‘They think like ‘wow’. He’s done so much in the game at different levels. And he’s been succeessful. And it’s a really good, sharp signing for us.’

‘I think this could potentially be one of our best January signings. In the current climate we are in now, especially.’