Rio Ferdinand: Man Utd can't afford to lose Ronaldo

The Red Devils forward has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford since the start of the summer transfer window.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged the club to keep Cristiano Ronaldo, even if it’s against his will.

At the start of July, several English outlets claimed Ronaldo had decided to leave Old Trafford. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is reportedly keen to play Champions League football next season.

However, Ferdinand believes United cannot allow Ronaldo’s departure without having a proper backup.

Speaking to William Hill, he said: “People are saying you’ve got to let Ronaldo go. Well, get someone in who can score 25 goals first.

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“Darwin Nunez has gone, Erling Haaland has gone and Robert Lewandowski has gone.

“They were the three players that you were thinking, ‘these are the only ones that you were going to go for that will outright come into the Manchester United team immediately.’ They’re gone.

“So Manchester United can’t let Ronaldo go, they can’t. Even if he’s begging to go, they just can’t let him go. It’s not the right thing to do, I don’t think.”

Man Utd will start their first season under newly-appointed manager Erik ten Hag this weekend.

Following a solid start to their pre-season campaign, the Red Devils failed to impress in their last couple of friendlies.

Let’s see if Ronaldo’s possible return can help Ten Hag’s side at the beginning of the new Premier League campaign.