Rio Ferdinand blames ex-teammate for Ronaldo's hat-trick against Man Utd in 2003 Champions League clash

Rio Ferdinand has blamed a former teammate for allowing Brazilian icon Ronaldo to score a hat-trick during Manchester United's loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League - 21 years ago.

Ferdinand had just joined arrived at Old Trafford from Leeds and was in the early stages of his United and European career, facing up against one of the world's best sides - and players - in the quarter-final of the competition.

Madrid had won the first leg 3-1 in Spain, but United had hopes of overturning the deficit in the second leg at Old Trafford with their home crowd behind them.

That didn't materialise, however. They won 4-3 on the night, but Ronaldo's three goals meant Madrid went through 6-5 on aggregate.

And in a video from BT Sport shared on TikTok, Ferdinand targeted former goalkeeper Fabien Barthez for his role in conceding the opening of the three goals.

"Barthez, he can only go in the near post," Ferdinand began, discussing the opener, scored in the 12th minute of the game.

"I've got him where I want him, going away from goal. He can only go near post… Fabien? Fabien, man! We need to go back over this.'

Ferdinand did, however, admit the second goal was all down to him. He said: "A great run. He’s in the six-yard box. There's no defender within touching distance. My fault, man. I take that. It was me. I take that."

But on the third, he was back blaming Barthez. He said: "We’re dropping off,' Ferdinand said. 'I’ve got to get up. I’ve got to squeeze the play a bit. But… Fabien, what are you doing?!"

Fabien Barthez and Zinedine Zidane playing football

Barthez left United soon after the final, departing in 2004 to return to his homeland of France before becoming a racing driver upon retirement.

Ferdinand, meanwhile, did go onto win a Champions League with United, captaining the side in the final in the dramatic penalty shootout win over Chelsea in 2008.

He also won six Premier League titles, a Club World Cup and two League Cups during his 12-year stay with the club. Not bad.