Former centre-back Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United's players to "graft and be humble," recalling what Sir Alex Ferguson used to demand of his players during his time in charge at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand has made the admission following Sunday's 4-1 hammering to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Despite showing signs of encouragement in the first half, United were woeful after the break and allowed City to knock the ball around with ease.
Pep Guardiola's side dominated the contest in the second period and did so without getting out of first gear. It was another forgettable showing from United and one, in the second half, that lacked fight, dedication and passion.
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Understandably angry with what he saw from his former club in a game of such magnitude, Ferdinand, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, has recalled what Ferguson used to inject into his team, whilst remembering what used to give the Scot the greatest amount of pride.
Ferdinand told Vibe with Five : "It is not simple, but I will tell you what one of the main ingredients is to rectify it: it's to b****y work hard, that's it. It is not rocket science.
"We are not sitting here trying to recreate the world. You have got to graft and be humble.
"Go out there, roll your sleeves up, run and work hard. Sir Alex Ferguson always used to say to us, and I do hate going back to what he said, but the guy is a genius.
"He said to us: 'I get so much pride when I walk into my manager's office after a game and they [the opposition management team] say me, 'your team don't half work hard'. Sir Alex would turn around and say 'that's what I love to hear'."
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