Rio Ferdinand has theory why Thierry Henry has 'beef' with Cristiano Ronaldo as 'subplot' revealed

Rio Ferdinand has come up with a theory as to why Thierry Henry has 'beef' with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United the following season after Ferdinand joined from Leeds United in the summer of 2002.

They enjoyed six seasons together at Old Trafford, winning three Premier League titles and the prestigious Champions League whilst they were both at the club.

And Henry came up against Ronaldo for four seasons in England before leaving Arsenal for Barcelona.

They had some fiery encounters - most notably in an explosive league fixture back in February 2005.

The Red Devils ran out 4-2 winners at Highbury, with the Portuguese superstar bagging a brace.

Ferdinand has singled out a moment between Henry and Ronaldo from that match which created their apparent 'beef'.

He said: "The way I see Thierry talk about Cristiano, it's more what he doesn't say. He doesn't talk about him with any zest or spark.

"It's like he's downplaying Cristiano a lot.

"There was a clip at Highbury when Henry slaps him on the back of his head or something like that and Cristiano pushes him off.

"Cristiano then scored the winner and Henry's taking the kick-off with the goalscorer in the background.

"There seems like there's a little bit of a subplot story that maybe makes it with Thierry and it's probably still in his mind in moments like that."

Thierry Henry argues with Cristiano Ronaldo during Arsenal vs. Manchester United. Image: Getty

On Ronaldo Nazario's supposed feud with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ferdinand added: "There's beef there somewhere you know. It's cause of the name.

"I think because of the name, as if he says, 'You took my name,' so I have a problem with you."

Unlike the Frenchman, 'R9' never came up against his namesake in a competitive game.

But Ferdinand is convinced the Brazilian has 'beef' with him.