Rio Ferdinand raved about one Manchester United legend who was “one of the most hardest hitters of a ball” he had ever seen and an “outrageous” finisher.
The 45-year-old former Manchester United and England defender spent the large majority of his time at Old Trafford under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Signed from Leeds United for a £30m fee in 2002 – a British record transfer at the time – Rio Ferdinand became a pivotal defensive figure for the Red Devils.
The United legend enjoyed incredible success at the Premier League club, with Ferdinand making a whopping 455 appearances for the Red Devils.
Ferdinand struck up a formidable defensive partnership with fellow United legend Nemanja Vidic and the pair were at the heart of Ferguson’s teams of the past.
During his illustrious spell at Old Trafford, the former United centre-back lifted six Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups.
Ferdinand talks Man Utd legend’s finishing
Rio Ferdinand shared the pitch with a roster of devastating attackers at Manchester United, including club legends Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, the former England centre-back was blown away by the magical finishing that he saw from United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Ruud van Nistelrooy was a fan favourite during his time at Old Trafford and the Dutchman was widely revered for his incredible finishing in the final third.
The 47-year-old former United striker has been linked with a sensational return to Old Trafford as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff at the Premier League club.
Ferdinand, who dropped his verdict on Van Nistelrooy’s potential return to United, opened up on his former club teammate’s finishing in training sessions.
“Nasty. Disgusting. Outrageous [referring to Van Nistelrooy’s finishing],” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE.
“It was illegal. One of the most hardest hitters of a ball I’ve seen. And pinpoint precision.
“Mad finisher. Used to practice, match pace. None of this touch, look, see where the goal is, shoot.
“Touch, touch, bang. Touch, touch, bang. He was a joke, man. I love Ruud. I used to argue with him all the time.”
Van Nistelrooy ‘tempted’ by Man Utd return
Ruud van Nistelrooy has been linked with the vacant Burnley head coach role in recent weeks before United’s interest emerged.
The former Netherlands striker has been out of the dugout since 2023 after he stepped down from his managerial post at PSV Eindhoven.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Van Nistelrooy has been “tempted” by the idea of linking up with Erik ten Hag at United.
“What I’m hearing is that Ruud van Nistelrooy is very tempted by this possibility to go back to Manchester United,” he said on his Daily Briefing podcast.
“He’s still keeping his options open, but in the last 24-48 hours, Van Nistelrooy is really tempted […] to make this new experience as [an] assistant coach. So, I think there’s a very good possibility.”