“If you want to play for England with me, don’t run with the ball” - Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand says ex-coach ‘nullified’ him

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has accused terminally ill former Three Lions boss Sven Goran Eriksson of 'nullifying' him during his time in charge of the national team. The Swedish manager was the first non-Englishman to manage the Three Lions, doing so for five years, between 2001 and 2006.

Ferdinand is one of the best defenders of his generation, famed for his ability to play the ball out from the back and impressive ball-carrying skills. He made 455 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring eight and assisting eight, and had 81 caps for his country, scoring three and assisting as many.

Speaking about his time in the England shirt under Eriksson, on The Rest Is Football, Ferfinand said:

“I think it was my second or third training session with Sven-Goran Eriksson.

"We were all excited to play for him. Italian football was big when he was there. (I remember) coming off the training ground, and he just pulled me in and said, ‘Rio, my centre-backs don’t run with the ball. If you want to play for England with me, don’t run with the ball.’

“And that was my game, running out (with the ball) and committing someone before playing it to the spare man. It really nullified a big part of my game.”

Despite their disagreements over stylistic issues, the Manchester United legend started 40 times for Eriksson and played in two FIFA World Cups and one European Championship.

The Swede went on to manage Manchester City, Mexico, Ivory Coast, Leicester City, Guangzhou R&F, Shanghai SIPG, Shenzhen and the Philippines.

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Manchester United confirms contract extension for Jonny Evans

Manchester United have confirmed that veteran defender Jonny Evans has signed a one-year extension. The three-time Premier League winner was brought in during an injury-plagued 2023-24 season and made 30 appearances across competitions.

The Northern Irish defender has won every prize in club football with the Red Devils and played a part in their FA Cup success last season. Referencing his history with the club and his success last season, he said via the club's site after his new deal was announced:

"I am delighted to have extended my contract at Manchester United for another season.To play for this great club and feel the support from our incredible fans is always a privilege."

"Returning to the club last season was an honour; representing the team on the pitch alongside fantastic team-mates under an excellent manager. Winning the FA Cup together was an unforgettable experience. I know we can challenge for more trophies in the season ahead."

The Red Devils hope he can provide cover and leadership in the team in the coming season and help them vastly improve their poor league finish last campaign.