Rio Ferdinand Defends Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United Exit Plans

Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has criticised the club’s transfer activity whilst speaking about Ronaldo’s intention to leave the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo has made his intention to leave Manchester United clear over the past week, with various reports speculating about his reasons for an exit and any potential suitors that would take the icon.

While the key reason behind the Portuguese legend’s decision appears to be the desire to continue playing Champions League football, Ferdinand highlighted the club’s poor activity in the transfer window this summer, especially in relation to their rivals.

Whilst speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand said, “He will be sitting there on his sun lounger, or his yacht, or his jet, wherever he is in the world and seeing Man City signing Haaland. Seeing Liverpool signing Nunez among other players. Phillips has gone to City as well.”

The former England and United defender went on to explain, “I understand the frustrations. I definitely would be frustrated.”

Ferdinand’s own explanation of his empathy with Ronaldo and his situation at Manchester United will help fans to understand Ronaldo’s rationale behind his decision and give this decision an added element of credibility.

Adding to his explanation, Ferdinand put himself further into Ronaldo’s shoes by reflecting on his own time at the club, “I as a player was on to the manager, on to David Gill asking who are we signing?”

David Gill was the Chief Executive of Manchester United before Richard Arnold’s predecessor, Ed Woodward.

United’s lack of efficiency in the transfer market this summer will have certainly impacted the striker’s decision to angle for a move away from Old Trafford, largely due to the lack of ambition this conveys ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Liverpool’s signing of Darwin Nunez ahead of United will have compounded a lack of belief in United’s attempts to pull level with the Merseyside club in recent years.

In addition to losing out on Nunez, United are currently without a marquee signing for the new season, as talks to bring in Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona have stalled due to issues over unpaid salary between De Jong and Barcelona.

Manchester City’s summer business has been far better in comparison, with Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Kalvin Phillips all being brought into the Etihad.

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These signings compared with United’s solitary signing of Tyrell Malacia, justifies Ferdinand’s quotes about Ronaldo’s discontent with the summer business at Old Trafford and the various implications the lack of business carries for the club.

A caveat that can be offered comes in the idea that United have all but agreed to bring De Jong to the club, with issues about the move being between the player and his current club, rather than an unwillingness to pay or negotiate from United.

However, Chelsea are looking like they could try and enter the race for the midfielder.

With this being said, any excuses surrounding the lack of a big signing arriving at Old Trafford will not encourage Cristiano Ronaldo to remain.

There are a number of clubs entertaining the prospect of securing the icon, with Chelsea and Paris St Germain amongst these suitors.

It will be hoped that any saga involving Ronaldo will be solved quickly to ensure a smooth beginning to Erik ten Hag’s new project at Manchester United.