Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed he received a text message from Cristiano Ronaldo after his late winner against Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Red Devils fought back from a goal down, with Ronaldo securing three points with a 95th minute goal.

And Ferdinand says the Portuguese was confident he would score in the game.

"He (Ronaldo) text me tonight saying 'I didn't' play well but I knew I'd score,'" Ferdinand said.

"That's the belief that he has. The other players are feeding off it. It's a great place to be.

"United's performance today wasn't great, it wasn't at the level Ole wants it to be. But when you need a goal, a moment to galvanise the squad, the stadium, the fanbase, Cristiano Ronaldo steps up.

"He wants to be that guy the chance falls to. His goal record says it all. He's there for the big moments. He's a big part of that too.

"When you have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, the players in the dressing room are given life. There's a lease of life, belief, because they know if the chance comes, he will put them away.

"It gives you that ability to be relaxed. It was the biggest thing in our team. When you get under even more pressure and you can see the clock ticking, you don't panic. We were very composed because we believed the chances would come."