Ferdinand picks out sole factor that would persuade Man Utd to sell Ronaldo

Rio Ferdinand has picked out the sole factor that would persuade Manchester United to part ways with Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.

The 37-year-old returned to the Red Devils last summer as he penned a two-year deal after departing Juventus.

The 2021/22 campaign proved to be a torrid one for Man Utd. They finished sixth in the Premier League and they ended the season trophyless.

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Ronaldo intends to leave Man Utd this summer with him reportedly not being happy with the club’s situation. He has been linked with Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

Bayern are busy themselves with Robert Lewandowski looking to engineer a move to FC Barcelona. 

Ferdinand thinks the only way Ronaldo leaves Man Utd this summer is if they find a way to bring Lewandowski in to replace him:

“I don’t see it happening man, I can’t even think about that because you have to look at the whole situation,” Ferdinand said on Vibe with FIVE.

“It’s getting on in the window and, if United were to let him go, [Erling] Haaland and [Darwin] Nunez, probably the first two on your list, have gone to clubs.

“The only other person who could fill into those shoes, who I’d have confidence in, who’s possibly capable of doing it, is [Robert] Lewandowski. But he looks like he has his heart set on Barcelona if they can get that deal done.

“The only way I see it happening is if United can get Lewandowski and then Ronaldo could go then. That’s the only way it happens and, if United can’t get a ready-made replacement to bang in 20 or 25 goals next season outside of Lewandowski or somebody [else] gettable, I don’t see it being a deal that gets done, not at all.”

Meanwhile, Paul Pogba has arrived in Turin to complete his return to Juventus after leaving Manchester United.

The midfielder departed Man Utd this summer upon the expiry of his contract. He is making a comeback to Juventus six years after leaving.

Pogba told the club’s Twitter account: “Well, I am back, I’m here, I’m very, very happy. I can’t wait to get started and wear this Juventus jersey again.”