Rio Ferdinand says the atmosphere around Manchester United's training base has "changed dramatically" after he visited his old stomping ground.
The 44-year-old former defender, who enjoyed a trophy-laden 12-year spell at Old Trafford, was at Carrington on Monday morning in his capacity as a BT Sport pundit.
He interviewed Bruno Fernandes as part of his visit but as well as speaking to the in-form midfielder, Ferdinand noticed a dramatic shift in the overall "vibes" of the place as he bumped into players, staff and old friends.
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This time last year, the atmosphere at United was said to be ‘as bad as it’s been in recent memory' with Ralf Rangnick in charge, with 'deep divisions' hampering the dressing room.
But Erik ten Hag has changed the training ground culture since his appointment in the summer, and Ferdinand couldn't believe the difference after his latest visit.
Speaking to his YouTube show FIVE, the former England international said: "The vibes at Carrington and Old Trafford have changed dramatically.
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"It's become more positive, the ambience in the place. The cafeteria has even changed. It's like everything has changed. Looks different, feels different, food's different. The feeling when you walk in, I've had very negative vibes [in the past] when I've walked through the corridors of the training ground.
"I was on my own, walking back out through the training ground, through the corridors, and I stood there and just smiled. I can sense something happening in here now. I don't what it is or where it's going to but the ambience is very different. There's a confidence in the place.
"And the confidence isn't about the players alone, it's the staff. I can sense something with the staff. They're more upbeat, happy to be in at work every day. And that's all been generated and created by Erik ten Hag and his management team and some people behind the scenes, because there's not one person who can change the whole culture of a football club - it's a collaborative approach.
"It's the right path right now and given they're in the running for four trophies still, not that I think they'll win four. It's nice to go to Carrington and Old Trafford and feel more optimistic than negative.
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He added: "The vibe when they're out training, doing the rondos, there's a different energy that I haven't seen for a while, not that I've been there loads."
As you can see in the footage below, Ferdinand enjoyed a quick chat with several players as they trained, including defender Lisandro Martinez, who has been one of United's best players this season.
Ferdinand praised the Argentine on his YouTube show FIVE. "On form right now, I don't think there's really much argument coming from anywhere else," he said.
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"I think he's dominant, he's aggressive, he's a leader, he communicates well, he shows character, he's there in big moments."
Thoughts on Ferdinand's assessment of the atmosphere around Carrington at present?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter - @rioferdy5/@ManUtdTopics: Manchester United, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, Rio Ferdinand, Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes
