Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United simply can't afford to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave this summer.
The veteran forward, 37, wants to leave Old Trafford to play Champions League football. He missed their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia and is struggling for match fitness as a result. He played 37 minutes of United's 2-1 home defeat to Brighton on Sunday.
Many critics, such as Jamie Carragher, believe United should end the ongoing transfer saga by allowing Ronaldo to leave the club. Others, however, think the Red Devils must keep the Portuguese star on their books amid fears they can't replace him.
Ferdinand adheres to the second school of thought and believes new boss Erik ten Hag made a mistake in leaving him on the bench in their Premier League opener.
"For a player, the worst thing for you to do is sit on the bench and come on in a game," the United legend told his Vibe with Five show. "You start him, tell him - 'you're going to play 45 and do what you do'.
"He would've [had 45 minutes]. He's experienced enough to pace himself through a game. You've got to trust these guys... Man Utd are never letting him go right now. Where are they going to find 24 goals? Don't have the conversation, you're not going anywhere."
Ferdinand went on to say: "Man Utd can't let him go. Where are they finding 24 goals? [Darwin] Nunez has gone to Liverpool, [Erling] Haaland's gone to [Manchester] City... Not even a question, start him. A 50 per cent fit Ronaldo, you're putting your money on him before anyone [else] in that team."
Ronaldo scored 24 goals in all competitions last season, with 18 of those coming in the Premier League. Although he enjoyed a good campaign, United struggled. They finished sixth in the league and their trophy drought was extended into a sixth season.
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Ferdinand continued: "If he starts, you've got a better chance of getting a better performance out of Cristiano Ronaldo [longer term].
"[Ronaldo] is coming back fitter than anyone still. He's coming back into the building fitter than anyone, trust me. But due to the lateness of coming back to pre-season, he's behind in the physicality in terms of being with the team."
Ferdinand added: "Match fitness is different to fitness on your own... we all understand that. But, listen, he's one of the greatest players of all time. Put him on the pitch early doors when you're in the game."
Ronaldo has one year left on his existing deal, with the option of a further year.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Overlap, Carragher suggested United might sell the player. "He's never going to play second fiddle to anyone, but as players - at a certain stage in your career - we all know that you're not the same player," said the Liverpool legend.
"His has gone on longer because he's such a great professional, but the fact he's now 37, 38 this season - he's not the same player. He's still a great goalscorer, but he's not the same player... I think if you asked Ten Hag, he doesn't want him."
