Cristiano Ronaldo: Rio Ferdinand's passionate reply to fans criticising Man Utd star

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future appears to be away from Manchester United.

The Portuguese forward wants to leave the club and play Champions League football elsewhere.

Ronaldo did not return to pre-season training earlier this week due to family problems.

Despite United approving his absence, some fans have questioned the 37-year-old’s professionalism.

Rio Ferdinand has seen some of the criticism and he couldn’t help but hit back when giving his thoughts on Ronaldo’s desire to leave.

Speaking on his YouTube channel FIVE, Ferdinand said: “I’ve been seeing people being a touch disrespectful. The way that people are questioning ‘he’s not here’ and the hysteria surrounding it. A member of his family is not well, so he’s not at training.

“This is the most consummate, most professional athlete that we’ve seen on these shores.

“The most professional athlete we’ve seen for over 15 years and people are questioning this guy’s professionalism and why he’s not at the training ground.

‘Yeah he might want to leave, he might not be happy with certain things at the football club, but in terms of professionalism, this guy is training where he is – we’ve seen the pictures.

“His family are there, he needs to be where they are and you have to respect that. Simple as.”

Ferdinand went on to state how it wasn’t a surprise that Ronaldo was unhappy and wanted to leave the club.

He added: “You’re talking about Cristiano Ronaldo here! I don’t understand how it’s a big story that Cristiano Ronaldo is not happy with the way things are at Man United. He can’t be. I wouldn’t be.

“Anyone who wants to win football matches or trophies, anyone who is used to winning and competing every year at the top of the table for the biggest prizes, and then all of a