Image Credits: Rio Presents / YouTube
Rio Ferdinand believes several former Manchester United players are flourishing away from Old Trafford now that ‘the shackles are off’.
The United legend pointed to Antony, Scott McTominay and Anthony Elanga.
Even Jadon Sancho as examples of players rediscovering good form after moving on.
Antony, who struggled to justify his £85 million price tag under Erik ten Hag, has hit the ground running on loan at Real Betis.
The Brazilian has already registered a goal and two assists in his first two games in La Liga.
McTominay has been equally impressive, playing a key role in Napoli’s Serie A title charge.
Meanwhile, Elanga has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest, helping them mount an unexpected challenge for Champions League football.
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Sancho, too, has started to get his career back on track at Chelsea following his public fallout with Ten Hag last season.
Marcus Rashford will now hope for a similar resurgence at Aston Villa after being deemed surplus to requirements by Ruben Amorim.
The England international made his debut as a second-half substitute in Villa’s FA Cup win over Tottenham, looking sharp and energized.
Sancho appeared to acknowledge Rashford’s newfound freedom, commenting ‘freedom’ on his former teammate’s Instagram post.
Ferdinand weighed in on the situation on his Rio Presents podcast.
“You look at Antony, he’s got a man-of-the-match performance and a goal and assist in two games,” he said.
“McTominay is playing like prime Jude Bellingham at the moment.
“Elanga is flying.
‘You’re probably going to see the same from Rashford.
“It’s about unlocking what has unlocked Old Trafford for these players to perform.
“These players are leaving and looking like new, dynamic footballers because the shackles are off.”
Rashford could be the next to thrive, as Villa boss Unai Emery praised his January signings.
“With Marcus Rashford and Asensio, we watched their skill and how they helped us and will help us again in the next months,” said Emery.
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Source: Centred Devils
