It has been reported that Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand feels the club’s crown has slipped since he left.
The former England international cannot even bring himself to say they would now be his first choice if he was on the move to one of the top four.
Ferdinand – who lifted six Premier League titles in 12 years at Old Trafford and captained them to European Cup glory in 2008 – said: “The landscape has changed totally.
“When United came in for me there were other clubs who potentially wanted me…Barcelona, Real Madrid, Roma, Chelsea.
“But my whole thinking was trophies. It wasn’t about how much money I was earning, it was: ‘Who is going to get me to win trophies in this country?’
“That was Manchester United and Alex Ferguson. That’s all I cared about and the rest is history.
“Nowadays, United are competing against Manchester City, who have got more money, against Chelsea, who have got as much money or more, and can offer living in London and are going for titles. Then you’ve got Real Madrid and Barcelona as well.”