Rio Ferdinand is not the brightest star in the galaxy and he might be slightly deluded to believe that Cristiano Ronaldo is going to be at Old Trafford next season (unless he’s playing there for Real Madrid in the Champions League). While it might be the case that the Portuguese forward is going to be reporting back at training in Manchester, surely it’s only a matter of time before the ship is jumped and the Red Devils have to rely on other players to win matches instead.

Nevertheless, Sky Sports reports that Rio is crossing his fingers and toes when it comes to his team-mate staying put. No wonder, considering how crucial Ronaldo has been to the team’s success in the past couple of seasons, but is there a hint of desperation in his words?

“Like everyone else, we would love him to be with us next season,” Ferdinand told Sky Sports News.

“When we go into pre-season I am sure Ronaldo will be there with us.

“Yes, I have spoken to him. We have spoken about everything else other from that (speculation). I will let him get on with his holidays.

“He is entitled to a good rest. I am sure when we come back to pre-season and we will have a laugh and a joke about it with him.

“But in all seriousness we want our best players to stay, and Ronnie falls into that category.

“He is a Manchester United player now, and long may it continue.”

How much longer will Cristiano Ronaldo be a Manchester United player for? Days, weeks, months or years? I’ll go for the months option, while the three parties sort out any legal obstacles that bar the player’s move from England to Spain.