Rio Ferdinand has Cristiano Ronaldo theory about Manchester United teammates

Rio Ferdinand believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure could help some Manchester United players come out of their shells.

Speculation has followed the five-time Ballon d’Or over his future at Old Trafford throughout the summer. The Portugal international told the club he wanted to leave earlier in the transfer window, partly owing to his desire to continue playing in the Champions League.

United have remained adamant that Ronaldo is not for sale, and denied reports this week that they could look to terminate his contract. The 37-year-old has cut a frustrated figure as the Reds have made a disastrous start to the season.

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And his former United teammate Ferdinand believes Ronaldo’s high standards could be weighing others in the squad down. Despite previously insisting the club should keep hold of Ronaldo, the former defender has suggested his departure could benefit some of his teammates.

“There’s two things: his reputation and is he weighing heavy on others’ shoulders? Is his energy about wanting to be there?” Ferdinand told his Vibe With Five podcast. “Roy Keane was a huge character, leader, aggressive, in people’s faces, very different to Cristiano but he had an aura around him that I felt, and players who I speak to suppress some people and players. Natural instincts, natural way of playing, the way they carry themselves in training, matches.

“The likes of John O’Shea, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Wes Brown, Darren Fletcher - he’ll tell you that himself. When he left, Roy Keane, they flourished as not only football players but as people. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer not so much as a football player, but they were allowed to breathe and they felt more