Rio Ferdinand does not see Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Manchester United this summer unless the club can tempt Barcelona-bound Robert Lewandowski into a sensational transfer rethink.
Ronaldo, 37, wants to depart Old Trafford only 12 months after returning to the Premier League and Chelsea have been heavily linked with making a move for his signature. As things stand, though, United insist Ronaldo is not for sale and have doubled down on that particular stance.
Owing to a family issue, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner did not jet-off to Thailand with his United teammates on the first leg of their pre-season tour on Friday. As for Lewandowski, meanwhile, he is edging closer to the Nou Camp after a memorable goal and trophy-packed spell in the Bundesliga with champions Bayern Munich.
READ MORE: Ferdinand shares Erik ten Hag prediction
Poland captain Lewandowski, 33, netted 50 goals in 46 appearances last season. According to Ferdinand, it makes him the only available frontman capable of replacing Ronaldo should the unthinkable happen.
Speaking on the latest episode of his FIVE podcast, Ferdinand said: "I don't see it happening man, I can't even think about that because you have to look at the whole situation. 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."
MORE TO READ:
