Speaking on BT Sport last night, Rio Ferdinand discusses what it was like to be publicly criticised by Alex Feguson. And of course, Ian Wright can’t resist a pop.

Rio Ferdinand’s pace went and it went pretty sharply too. In the aftermath of this new world for Rio, he’d probably have wanted a bit of support from his manager. He didn’t really get it. Speaking on BT Sport last night as an analyst, Rio explains what that moment was like.

“I wanted to prove Ferguson wrong!” @rioferdy5 on Sir Alex’s public criticism, before @IanWright0 interrupts… https://t.co/LAwfqrsl91 — BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) October 20, 2015

And their in lies the genius of Ferguson. Always seemingly able to detect what would make his players tick. It wasn’t a hand around the shoulder Rio Ferdinand needed. He might have wanted it, don’t we all. But what clearly made Ferdinand tick was competition. Knowing he was right and he still had it. When Fergie called him out publicly on the pace, he had no option but to respond.

But when Ian Wright is on the panel there’s always going to be a laugh made of something. And while Rio Ferdinand poured out his heart and admitted he’d been hurt, Wrighty bided his time. As soon as a pregnant pause reared is head, Wright pounced.

And to be honest, it’s probably good he did it. Broke up the conversation nicely with a bit of a laugh and allowed the guys to move on to a new topic.

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