Rio Ferdinand has named the one Manchester United cult hero who would “hit the ball as clean with both feet” ahead of Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 45-year-old former Manchester United star had a storied career at the top level and is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Premier League history.

Rio Ferdinand hoovered up the major silverware at Old Trafford, including lifting six Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups.

The TNT Sports pundit was a pivotal defensive figure under Sir Alex Ferguson and forged a formidable partnership alongside United legend Nemanja Vidic.

Ferdinand played alongside a star-studded roster of talent at the Red Devils, including Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs.

Ferdinand in awe at Man Utd cult hero

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, the Manchester United legend sat down for a chat with former Portugal defender Jose Fonte for his ‘Legends Lounge’ show.

Rio Ferdinand opened up to Jose Fonte about playing alongside Manchester United cult hero Nani during his time at Old Trafford.

Nani was tipped to be a top prospect at the Red Devils after legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson signed him from Sporting CP.

The 37-year-old Portuguese winger, who played alongside Fonte for Portugal, lifted four Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups.

Nani widely impressed with his impressive flair and showboating on the ball, but the United cult hero lacked consistency during his time at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand insisted that former United teammate Nani hit the ball ‘cleaner’ than any other player, including club legends Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I’ve never seen a player hit the ball as clean with both feet as powerful and as hard as Nani,” he said.

“[His] sheer power was mad. The thing that I think Nani lacked, he was a good professional, he didn’t drink a lot, but there was something that stopped him from having ultimate consistency.”

Man Utd legend Ferdinand talks Nani

Former United and Portugal star Nani left Old Trafford in 2015 and went on to play for the likes of Valencia, Orlando City and Melbourne Victory.

Nani’s last club was Adana Demirspor, who he signed for in 2023, before he made his exit from the Super Lig side in May.

Ferdinand admitted that Nani lacked the consistency of Wayne Rooney or Ronaldo, despite his former United teammate having incredible ability as a player.

“He could hit five shots and two could be on target, two could be way off it or two may go close,” he added.

“It was hard for him to find that consistency compared to [Wayne] Rooney or Ronaldo, that’s what set him [behind].

“Pure ability wise, I’d take that and give someone else’s mindset [to Nani].”

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