24 May 2024 , 10:39
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They may not be team-mates anymore, but a large group of former Manchester United stars remain bound by a lively WhatsApp group.
Heroes including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Dimitar Berbatov, who enjoyed immense success under Sir Alex Ferguson, are part of a former players’ group which recreates the banter they shared on the training ground. Another member, Ashley Young, has divulged what goes on in the group and which ex-players are part of it.
The Everton full-back Young told talkSPORT: “It’s called Band of Brothers. There’s quite a lot [of players in it]. Rio [Ferdinand], Fletch [Darren Fletcher], John O’Shea, Wazza [Rooney], Wes Brown, Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverly, Ando [Anderson], Nani, Berba [Dimitar Berbatov], Patrice [Evra], the twins, Rafael and Fabio, Quinton Fortune, Anders Lindegaard.”
Asked who the most vocal member is, Young said: “Everyone. Honestly, every day that’s group’s going off. It’s like we’re still at training, that banter’s still going. Someone’s getting it every day, basically.”
Despite his age, Young, who will be part of talkSPORT’s punditry team at Euro 2024, isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet. He is currently in talks over a new Everton contract, with his current deal expiring next month.
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"My contract runs out at the end of June, but I've spoken to the manager [Sean Dyche] and we had a quick conversation about staying for another season," he said this week. "It's just now down to sorting out the final details to sort out for the next season.
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Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney are among the Manchester United idols in a former players' WhatsApp group (Steve Dykes/Getty Images)"I'd love to play as long as possible, whether that's going to be a one-year deal or two-year deal. Whatever everyone offered me, I'm always happy to sign a new contract.
“I enjoyed my time this season, being there with the players and staff, it's fantastic, a massive club and I'd love to go back and play another season there."
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