Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has admitted that the current player he’d have loved to play alongside the most is a Manchester City star.
The former England defender’s prime came during a time when Manchester City had not long returned to the Premier League and were still finding their feet.
Things are completely different now, with Man City having enjoyed over a decade of near-unparalleled success, the same of which cannot be said for Manchester United.
Rodri of Manchester City passes the ball whilst under pressure from Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 29, 2023
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand sums up why he’d love to play alongside Rodri in one word
Rio Ferdinand took part in ESPN’s 20 Questions quiz, in which he was asked about his favourite players in the world, strikers he hated to face, and where he ranks among the best defenders of all time.
And when host Ralph Karumazondo asked Ferdinand which current player he’d have loved to play alongside the most, he quickly opted for Manchester City star Rodri.
“Rodri,” replied Ferdinand. “Security.” Karumazondo then said: “That wall in front of you just like that?” and Ferdinand agreed.
More Man City News
READ MORE: David Moyes challenges Jack Grealish to emulate Manchester United cult hero as ‘great story’ blueprint shared
When Rodri is expected to be back to full fitness
Rodri has made a name for himself as one of the best players in the world, and was rightly recognised with the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
However, the Spaniard endured a nightmare season on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury in September last year.
Rodri was missed as Man City laboured to fourth place in the Premier League table and failed to win a single trophy.
And though Rodri has since returned from the ACL injury, he is currently nursing a groin strain and will not be rushed into the starting XI.
“What we want for him is to come back and to take a step back that would not be good,” Guardiola said of Rodri ahead of City’s Premier League opener at Wolves.
“In this dynamic you can’t get rhythm, it is so demanding.
“He’s made good training sessions and tomorrow he’s travelling. We will decide how many minutes.
“Hopefully he can play minutes in next games then after the international break every three days he can help us.”