Rio Ferdinand has hit out at Cristiano Ronaldo’s critics, suggesting that questioning the Portuguese contribution for Manchester United amounted to ‘blasphemy’.

Ronaldo has scored four goals in seven Premier League games and seven in 10 appearances in all competitions since returning to Old Trafford in August, but has been criticised for being too passive when not in possession.

Specifically, the 36-year-old has come under criticism for not pressing opposing defenders in the wake of United’s dismal capitulation against Liverpool 10 days ago.

The Reds exploited United’s disjointed pressing at will, slicing through their rivals’ midfield and defence as they dismantled Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team 5-0 at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo was far from the only culprit and Ferdinand insisted the Portuguese was definitely not as issue for United.

‘I’ve heard some talk and the only way I can explain it, is it’s blasphemy, when I heard some people talking about Ronaldo’s the reason why Man United aren’t going to be a success,’ Ferdinand said on his Vibe with FIVE YouTube channel.

‘Ronaldo turning up at Man United and yeah it’s great but he’s going to be the reason why they don’t do anything.

‘Listen, I’ve been seeing too much of it, don’t talk like that. Please, it’s a disgrace, absolute disrespect.’

Ronaldo opened the scoring with a brilliant volley as United won 3-0 away at Tottenham on Saturday, before setting up Edinson Cavani for his team’s second with a deft through ball.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has already scored crucial winners in the Champions League against Villarreal and Atalanta.

Goals were the currency Ferdinand, who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League during Ronaldo’s first spell at Old Trafford, believes his former teammate should be judged on.

‘A player that’s done what he’s done in the game, a superstar at any generation, he’ll be one of the best players in any generation you can think about,’ he continued.

‘And even again he just told people at the weekend what he’s about here […] pressure’s on he scores.

‘To think that because he doesn’t press, because he doesn’t run as much as other people… that’s not what he’s there for.

‘You play to people’s strengths sometimes, you can do that when you’ve got a superstar in your team sometimes for certain clubs.’