“You want to stay here?” - Rio Ferdinand on how ex-Manchester United coach sent message on his drinking and partying habits

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has opened up on legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson's methodology to deal with the ex-defender's drinking and partying habits. The 46-year-old revealed that the Scotsman had sent him a message, warning him to change in order to succeed at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand moved to Manchester United from Leeds United in the summer of 2002, for a then-British record fee of £18 million. Immediately after his arrival, however, he suffered a knock in a pre-season friendly and was sidelined for six months.

Much to Sir Alex's discontent, Ferdinand spent his time off bar-hopping and partying. He eventually got reprimanded by the 82-year-old, who was known for being cut-throat with his players in terms of discipline.

Speaking to Ste Howson and Joel Beya on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the ex-United defender reminisced about the sequence of events. He said (via Express):

"I signed with United and, I know from being with England that the United guys liked a drink, but they were really conditioned and professional at the right times, not crazy, like, doing it four times a week... I got injured in a pre-season game before the season started and I was out for six weeks. I went out every night, I wanted to see what the atmosphere was like, what the vibes were like. But the manager found out and slowed me down with one comment: 'You want to stay here? You better watch what you do.'"

"And then I realized if I wanted to be successful, as I'm going in half-cut when training starts thinking 'Gary Neville ain't going out, Scholesy (Paul Scholes) ain't going out, Roy's (Roy Keane) not going out, Ruud van Nistelrooy's not going out' and the sessions are sharp man, every day, I had to curb that and become much more professional, fit in with the guys, and then my game got better and I grew into a better player," Ferdinand concluded.

After changing his lifestyle, Ferdinand's stock grew and grew, and he left Old Trafford as a bonafide legend. He made 455 appearances for Manchester United, winning six EPL titles, one UCL title, one FIFA Club World Cup, and several other domestic cup trophies.

"I hope they're just as brutal" - Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand makes claim about Red Devils after Dan Ashworth's departure

Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has said he would like to see the ownership be as brutal with the players as they were with former sporting director Dan Ashworth.

After spending almost six months negotiating a fee with Newcastle, Ashworth was relieved of his duties just five months into his spell at Old Trafford. Fans and pundits alike were left shocked by the decision, with Ferdinand being the latest to lash out at the administration.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the 46-year-old launched an X-rated attack, saying (via Express):

"Dan Ashworth and his departure from Manchester United... confusion is the first thing that comes to mind. With the staff they're culling after being there for so many years, I hope they're just as brutal with the s**t players that are there. If there are any s**t players that are there, either they've been there too long, or the ones who just ain't good enough, be as brutal as they have been!"

Up next, Manchester United will be in action against Czech side Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday (December 12).