Rio Ferdinand has referenced the Manchester United endings experienced by the likes of Roy Keane and David Beckham as he dissected Cristiano Ronaldo 's latest major move.
The Portuguese star has, once again, grabbed the headlines after revealing all in an interview with Piers Morgan. Ronaldo, who wanted to leave Manchester in the summer, has been used sporadically by Erik ten Hag and has slammed the manager as well as other individuals associated with the Red Devils.
Ferdinand, a former team-mate of Ronaldo's, has long defended the forward, but recalled how four previous United stalwarts committed far lesser offences, but were shown the door having appeared to undermine the manager's authority - and expects Ronaldo to suffer the same fate.
He said on his 'Vibe with Five' podcast. : "I played in dressing rooms with Van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane, David Beckham and Jaap Stam, four players who did less than this and never put the red shirt on again. When you say you don't respect the manager, I don't think there is anyway back. How are the club going to allow Ronaldo to come back and undermine their current manager? They can't."
Sir Alex Ferguson was the man to usher all four players out of the club as he sought to remain in control. Keane's contract was terminated early whilst Beckham and Van Nistelrooy were both sold to Real Madrid having been snubbed in notable games amid differences with the manager. Stam meanwhile left for Lazio.
Ferguson was integral in bringing Ronaldo back to the red half of Manchester but hasn't offered an opinion on the player's actions and outburst. Ronaldo has been seeking an exit for months and his lack of minutes has only furthered his desire to get out of the club.
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All eyes will be on how United respond, with a club statement showing they are aware of his comments as they await the full interview, which will be aired on Wednesday and Thursday.
Ferdinand could not condone Ronaldo's actions and claimed his love affair with the club, with whom he won his first Champions League back in 2008 as well as the Ballon d'Or, has now ended and suggested he wouldn't be welcomed back post World Cup.
"This love affair with Man United that Cristiano has had is over in my eyes," he added. "I don't feel there's anyway back, I don't feel the club will take him back and I don't think that he wants to come back. This is all manufactured for that reason. Up to this interview I would defend him, and say the club have a big responsibility to communicate better."
