Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville Poised to Work with Manchester United
- Think Football Ideas
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
From Old Trafford Legends to Behind-the-Scenes Storytellers: Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville Are About to Rejoin Manchester United in New Roles
It’s been over a decade since Rio Ferdinand last pulled on the red shirt at Old Trafford, but this summer in the United States, you could have been forgiven for thinking he’d never left.
There he was, camera in hand in Times Square, laughing with fans in Chicago, and standing on the touchline offering the kind of insight you can only get from someone who’s lived the club’s biggest moments.
The 46-year-old, who ended his long broadcasting stint with TNT Sports in May, was officially on tour duty for United - part storyteller, part interviewer, part travelling companion for supporters following the action from home.
His behind-the-scenes diary, chats with players, and reflections on pre-season matches gave fans a different lens through which to view their team.
What began as a short-term summer project may soon become something more permanent. Reports suggest Ferdinand will continue working with the club on a freelance basis in the months ahead, producing content that blends his deep understanding of United’s culture with his knack for connecting with audiences.
Gary Neville is also set to be part of the picture. Still firmly entrenched in his role with Sky Sports, the former United captain is expected to take on a similar freelance arrangement, dipping into club projects that benefit from his experience both as a player and a pundit.
For Ferdinand, the move comes at a time when he’s deliberately reshaping his career. In an emotional farewell to TNT Sports earlier this year, he thanked colleagues and viewers for a decade of shared football moments, adding that he’s “excited about what the future holds” and eager to stay connected in new ways.
Bringing Ferdinand and Neville back into the Man United orbit feels like more than a symbolic reunion. It’s a chance for two of the club’s most recognisable voices to help tell the next chapter of its story, offering fans not only nostalgia for what was, but also fresh perspectives on what’s to come.
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