Gary Neville tells Declan Rice to follow Cristiano Ronaldo example amid Manchester United links

Cristiano Ronaldo's 2009 departure from Manchester United should be used as the blueprint for Declan Rice's move away from West Ham, according to Gary Neville.

Ronaldo left United to join Real Madrid after six years at Old Trafford. The Portuguese ace would go on to enjoy a glittering spell in La Liga while United continued to challenge for domestic and European honours.

Neville, who had already told Sky Sports that Rice would be leaving the Hammers in 'the next year or two', claimed that due to the open nature of Ronaldo's decision to leave Old Trafford, the club were able to plan for his departure and their success wasn't hindered. He believes this should be used as an example for West Ham when it comes to dealing with Rice's exit.

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He explained: "When Cristiano [Ronaldo] left Man United the first time, it didn’t have an impact on the club because everyone knew what was happening. There was no sort of wondering what was happening, there was no speculation. I think West Ham and Declan Rice could afford to do that with this one because everyone recognises that it’s probably going to happen anyway."

United are looking to strengthen their midfield in the summer. Rice has been linked with a move to Old Trafford previously but a move failed to materialise. However, recent reports have suggested that the England international has turned down a new contract offer for the third time and is now open to leaving the London Stadium.

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