Rio Ferdinand was forced to close bar on police advice after making controversial Man Utd transfer from Leeds

RIO FERDINAND has revealed he was forced to close a bar he owned after leaving Leeds for Manchester United.

The former England international, 44, joined the Red Devils from rivals Leeds for £30million in 2002.

The transfer led to Ferdinand receiving a great deal of abuse from fans of the Yorkshire outfit.

And one night he was forced to shut down his establishment after the police contacted him about Leeds supporters heading to his bar to cause trouble.

Speaking to William Hill, he said: "I had a bar that was only just opened in Leeds and when I signed for Man Utd, the head of the police rang me.

"I don’t know how he got my number, but he rang me and said ‘just to let you know, I’d advise you don’t open your bar. If you open your bar there will be people coming down to mash it up, we’ve got intel that they’re looking to destroy your place.’

"So that place got put to sleep straight away, never opened again, dormant, gone. And then I started understanding the rivalry. 

"When we went back to Leeds with Man Utd for the first time, we actually got beat 1-0, I think.

"I had to have a police escort to get into the ground because where the bus used to park to get into the ground you have to walk a little bit and, yeah it was madness, crazy."

Ferdinand went on to win six Premier League titles with Man Utd, as well as the Champions League in 2008.

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Meanwhile, Man Utd drew 2-2 with Leeds on Sunday as Erik ten Hag's men fought back from two goals down to claim a point at Old Trafford.

Now, just four days later, the two sides are set to meet again - this time at Elland Road.

Managerless Leeds are seeking a first Premier League win since November following the sacking of Jesse Marsch.

But a victory for Man Utd would see them leapfrog rivals Manchester City ahead of the champions' home game against Aston Villa on Sunday evening.