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Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand have been revealed to be part of a WhatsApp group where they frequently criticize the current squad's performances, with current defender Jonny Evans also included in the chat.
The Red Devils are experiencing a challenging season, currently sitting in 12th place after Erik ten Hag's dismissal and Ruben Amorim's appointment as manager. The team's struggles have drawn widespread criticism, and now it appears some of the club's greatest players are also expressing their frustrations in a private messaging group.
Ferdinand disclosed details about the group, named "Band of Brothers," during an episode of his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, while speaking with Manchester United and England women's star Ella Toone. He revealed that Wayne Rooney was the most recent contributor to the group's discussions, where former players regularly critique the current team's performances with brutal honesty.
The group includes a mix of United generations, from veterans like Edwin van der Sar to younger alumni such as Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Nani, and Anderson. Ferdinand humorously noted that van der Sar might soon leave the group due to its nature and his apparent struggle with sending GIFs. The group maintains a lighthearted atmosphere despite its critical discussions, with members like Patrice Evra frequently becoming the target of playful banter.
Current United defender Jonny Evans, who played alongside Rooney and Ferdinand during the club's more successful period from 2006 to 2015, is also part of the group. Evans made an unexpected return to Old Trafford in 2023 at age 35 and earned a one-year contract extension after making 30 appearances. Despite the club's recent defensive reinforcements with signings like Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, both newcomers have yet to consistently perform at the expected level.
The team has shown signs of improvement recently, securing victories against Rangers and Fulham. They now have an opportunity to further silence critics by defeating FCSB in their upcoming Europa League fixture, which would guarantee their progression in the tournament.
