Rio Ferdinand has revealed the two toughest strikers he faced during his 12-year spell at Manchester United, as well as the best team-mates he played alongside.
The former England defender, who joined United for a then-record £29.1million in 2002, won six Premier League titles and captained the club to Champions League glory in 2008. He also lost in two further European finals in 2009 and 2011.
Ferdinand said Lionel Messi and Brazilian Ronaldo were the most formidable forwards he encountered. United faced Pep Guardiola's Barcelona in both of those final defeats, with Messi starring.
When asked to name his best team-mate at Old Trafford, Ferdinand overlooked Cristiano Ronaldo as the toughest opponent and instead singled out Paul Scholes and Ronaldo as the top players he played with. 'Probably Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo,' said Ferdinand. 'Scholesy was just pure talent, Ronaldo was just a devastating finisher.'
