Rio Ferdinand has revealed he has spoken to Cristiano Ronaldo about his reduced playing time at Manchester United.
The superstar has started just four matches this season, only one of which has come in the Premier League. He came off the bench to net his 700th career club goal on Sunday as his strike handed United a 2-1 victory over Everton.
That was just his second goal of the campaign having scored 24 last season. Ronaldo is currently seen as Erik ten Hag’s third-choice striker with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford both ahead of him in the pecking order.
READ MORE: Joke behind Ronaldo goal celebration
The Portugal legend was an unused substitute in the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City before he endured a frustrating evening in the Europa League against minnows Omonia four days later. He has been mainly used as a bit-part player when all striking options have been available to Ten Hag, although he has started every European game this term.
His game time from last year has been significantly reduced. Nevertheless, Ferdinand says Ronaldo - who handed in a transfer request over the summer - has remained cool, though he is clearly not content with playing third fiddle.
Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, the ex- United defender said: “When I’ve spoken to him during this period of not playing, how calm he’s been.
“Obviously there’s an undertone of p***** off. But the calmness with which ‘the chance will come and I score goals’. It’s plain and simple, the chance will come at some point.”
He added: “There’s no doubt in my mind he’s upset - of course he is but I think every professional who rates themselves and wants to play games week in, week out will have a divine right to be upset, that’s a given.
“But then it’s about what you do after and when you’re given the opportunity. You don’t go in and sulk. He’s the quickest one off the bench when he’s being asked to go on the pitch.
"When he goes out there you can see there’s a hunger and desire to score goals. This is all after scoring 699 goals at club level.
“This guy has got an obsession with beating the haters, ramming it down their throats. That 700 was to people like Jamie Carragher and people like that who are desperate to get him out of the door.”
READ NEXT:
