Man Utd teammates' tears of laughter as they destroy player in WhatsApp group

Rio Ferdinand has reignited a classic Manchester United tale, mercilessly ribbing former teammate Nani in their private WhatsApp group over an infamous moment when the winger broke down in tears on the pitch.

The ex-United defender, now a pundit, couldn’t resist bringing up the incident that still tickles the dressing-room WhatsApp community years later, leaving the group in stitches.

The story dates back to March 2011, during a heated Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield. Nani, then a key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, suffered a brutal challenge from Jamie Carragher that left a gaping wound on his shin.

The Portuguese star, visibly distraught, was reduced to tears as he lay on the turf, eventually limping off to be replaced by Javier Hernandez. United went on to lose 3-1, with Dirk Kuyt bagging a hat-trick, but it’s Nani’s emotional reaction that’s lived on in club lore.

Ferdinand, speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, recounted how he recently dropped a photo of the moment into the United legends’ WhatsApp chat.

“I put it in the group the other day—Nani crying on the pitch,” Ferdinand said, grinning. “The boys lost it. Messages flying in, ‘Oh mate, you can’t forget that!’ He’s still getting stick for it now!”

The chat, reportedly including the likes of Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes, erupted with laughter, proving that some wounds—emotional or otherwise—never fully heal among teammates.

Nani, now 38 and playing for Estrela Amadora in Portugal, hasn’t responded publicly to the jab, but Ferdinand’s anecdote offers a glimpse into the camaraderie—and merciless banter—that defined United’s golden era.

The winger’s 230 appearances and four Premier League titles haven’t spared him from the group’s roasting, with Ferdinand admitting, “He was a top player, but that day? He gave us ammo forever.”

The story has resurfaced at a time when United’s current squad could use some of that old-school spirit. Sitting 13th in the league under Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils are a far cry from the title-winning machine Nani and Ferdinand helped forge.

Fans on X have lapped up the tale, with one writing, “This is why we need characters like Rio back—keeps the lads grounded!” Another added, “Nani crying at Anfield still cracks me up. WhatsApp group must be gold.”