Rio Ferdinand launches passionate defence of Gary Neville after 'disrespectful' claim

Rio Ferdinand has launched a passionate defence of former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville after a 'disrespectful' claim.

The pair shared a pitch for almost a decade, winning countless trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson and forming one of the greatest Premier League teams of all time.

And following the emergence of new attacking full-backs in recent years, Ferdinand has refused to let Neville's name become overshadowed by the likes of Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Ferdinand has often jumped to the corner of the Sky Sports pundit, previously shutting down claims that former Manchester City player defender Micah Richards was a better player.

Ferdinand has once again been forced to defend Neville after he was goaded by podcast co-host Joel Joel Beya on Rio Ferdinand's Five YouTube channel.

Beya boldly suggested that Newcastle United right-back Trippier was a "better defender than Gary Neville ever was", before Ferdinand went on a fiery rant.

"Pardon? Get yourself out of here right now. Someone give him some water," the 45-year-old responded.

"You didn't have a TV. You didn't see Match of The Day. Saint and Greavsie weren't in your house.

"You're talking about Gary Neville like he's a 'any man'. Bro, you are new-generationed off.

"I never ever, ever, ever once worried where Gary Neville was."

Ferdinand added: "This is is one of the hardest things for a defender, right? If the ball is on that side of the pitch with their winger or full-back, the biggest problem I've got is what's going to be over my shoulder.

"I had the most comfortable moments in my career when one of the hardest positions to defend was going on because I had Gary Neville.

"Trent [alexander-Arnold] is Trent, Reece James is Reece James, Trippier is Trippier. They have other things that are better than Gary Neville.

"But what I wanted in my time, Gary Neville is unrivalled."