Rio Ferdinand doubles down on Cristiano Ronaldo snub as best Manchester United finisher

Rio Ferdinand has reiterated his belief that Ruud van Nistelrooy was the best finisher he played alongside at Manchester United.

The two played with each other for four seasons, winning every domestic honour in English football. Van Nistelrooy ultimately moved to Real Madrid in 2006, but not before bagging a ruthless 150 goals in 219 destructive games for the Red Devils.

He won the Golden Boot and Premier League’s Player of the Year in 2003, with Van Nistelrooy netting a sensational 44 times across all competitions as he clinched his only English league title. The Dutchman’s achievements place him among the all-time greats at United when it comes to scoring goals.

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But ensuing years would see Cristiano Ronaldo, who played as a wideman during Van Nistelrooy’s time at the club, develop into a cut-throat finisher in his own right. The Portuguese superstar won the Champions League at United and would later go on to become one of the sport’s greatest-ever players.

Ferdinand remained a key figure at Old Trafford during Ronaldo’s first spell but only one player sprung to mind when asked who the best finisher he played with was. He told his YouTube channel in 2021: “Ruud was an animal. He's the best finisher I ever played with. If he stayed at United, he'd break every record going. I remember we won 4-1 but he didn't score. He was in the dressing room after and he almost looked emotional.

"I thought 'Wow, this guy cares this much that we won? Wow, Ruud's my guy'.

"I asked him if he was alright and he went, ‘I didn't score!' He was vexed! To put the nail in the coffin, Thierry got two on the same