Rio Ferdinand slams 'stupid' Cristiano Ronaldo question around Erik ten Hag's arrival

03.05.2022 - 07:43 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes it is "stupid" to question whether Cristiano Ronaldo will fit into Erik ten Hag's system.

Ronaldo has been one of few standout performers for United in a dismal campaign and on Monday picked up yet another accolade after scooping the Reds' Player of the Month for April. Throughout a disappointing season, the Portugal captain has stepped up in the pivotal moments to save the Reds, scoring 23 goals including two hat-tricks.

With Ten Hag named as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's permanent successor, starting the job in the summer, some have queried how the 37-year-old will fit into the new manager's plans. However, Ferdinand is dismayed by any doubts.

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"I think from a journalist's point of view to even answer that question is stupid," Ferdinand said on his podcast, Vibe with Five. "You've not been looking at what's going on during the season, you've obviously got the curtains in front of your eyeballs when you're watching Manchester United because if Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't play, Man United are around 15th-16th in the league probably, maybe lower.

"It's not a question of 'do you think the manager will keep him', it's 'how do you think you'll deploy him', it's 'how will he integrate into the team', and 'how he will use him'. That's the question, not 'will he stay or will he go', not a chance.

"When you've got a world-class operator on and off the pitch, you utilise that to the best of your abilities. When you've got a new manager coming in, that's a dream scenario [to have] someone like him here, to be the example for the others.

"I'll take that all day long. I'll be absolutely shocked to the