Speaking in a Sky Sports News exclusive from a charity visit to Nigeria, he said he would love to see Ronaldo repeat what he has done this season next term.

Asked if he was worried that Ronaldo might leave, he replied: "Not really - I don't think Manchester United are noted as a selling club really.

"I saw an interview with the manager the other day and I think we only really sell players that we want to sell and I wouldn't put Ronnie in that category.

"At the end of the day he is a Man United player and long may that continue," he said, adding he thought it was imperative that the club keeps him.

"I want him to be my team-mate because he is a fantastic footballer and that means we are going to be that bit more successful if we have got him in our ranks.

"As I said, I would love him to stay but I am not the man who makes the decisions at the club.

"So we are just like the fans really, we read the papers and listen to the TV and stuff and we'll watch this space but I'm sure he will be a Man United player next season."

Ferdinand says whatever decision manager Sir Alex Ferguson makes, he will have the full backing of the players.

He said: "The manager is first-class in these situations and he's had massive decisions to make in the past.

"I'll be honest with you, whatever the manager goes with I think the players will be standing 100 per cent behind him because his experience is telling obviously and when he makes a decision, invariably they are on the button so whatever he makes his mind up with, we are there behind him."