Rio Ferdinand agrees with Lee Grant over Cristiano Ronaldo's Man Utd transfer

Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford is about more than just trophies according to Rio Ferdinand, who says he will be 'setting the culture for the next few years' at Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand says Cristiano Ronaldo was signed by Manchester United for more than just trophies and short-term success.

The Reds re-signed the Portugal international on a two-year contract after agreeing a deal with Juventus 12 years after he left the club for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo has his second debut for Manchester United in the 4-1 win over Newcastle at the weekend to show he's still of use on the pitch, scoring the opening goal and the go-ahead goal while completing 90 minutes.

But while some have criticised the deal because of his age, he has already made an impact off the pitch with goalkeeper Lee Grant admitting that players were watching their diet around the superstar. Ferdinand then made the point that there is more to the transfer than just on-pitch success for Manchester United and the coaching staff there.

"This is more than just a player signing," the ex-Reds defender told his Vibe with Five podcast.

"This is about setting a culture for the next few years. This is an opportunity for him to set that culture for the next generation of player coming through and say no no no, this is how we win it. This is how people sustain a quality that is world class, this is how they live and breathe on a daily basis, so get behind me and watch and follow.

"He won’t say that but he just has to do it, and people will follow because that’s what he is.

"There are so many different layers to this signing. Yes, the main one is winning and getting trophies and him being the catalyst for that, is what the dream is. But I believe the legacy to be left here for him, for other players going forward to carry on that trend in years to come."

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