Rio Ferdinand has blasted Manchester United supporters who have questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's professionalism.
Reports last week said that Ronaldo has asked for a move away from Old Trafford, with failure to qualify for the Champions League being a main reason behind his decision.
His agent has already been looking for suitors to pry him away from United.
Jorge Mendes has had conversations with the bosses at Chelsea and Bayern Munich to discuss a potential Ronaldo transfer.
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The striker was supposed to return to training on Monday, but he is still yet to come back to Manchester.
However, the club have reiterated that this absence is for personal reasons.
Yet, that does not stop supporters being able to speculate, with reports emerging that Ronaldo's private jet flew to Madrid on Wednesday.
Many are questioning Ronaldo's professionalism to miss the opening week of training.
Former team-mate and United legend Rio Ferdinand has firmed pushed back on those statements, clarifying the Portuguese's situation and explaining the type of person that he is.
"I've been seeing people being a touch disrespectful," he said through his YouTube channel FIVE. "The way that people are questioning 'he's not here' and the hysteria surrounding it. A member of his family is not well, so he's not at training.
"This is the most consummate, most professional athlete that we've seen on these shores.
"The most professional athlete we've seen for over 15 years and people are questioning this guy's professionalism and why he's not at the training ground.
'Yeah he might want to leave, he might not be happy with certain things at the football club, but in terms of professionalism, this guy is training where he is - we've seen the pictures.
"His family are there, he needs to be where they are and you have to respect that. Simple as. Could it have been communicated better by the club? Probably."
It is yet to be known whether the veteran forward will meet up with the United squad before they jet off to the pre-season tour on Friday or if he will meet them at a destination.
The stance of United's remains clear.
As the star player, the club are unwilling to sell Cristiano Ronaldo, especially to direct competition in the Premier League such as Thomas Tuchel's men.
Ronaldo scored 18 league goals last season, he ended the campaign in the Premier League Team of the Season.
Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik Ten Hag, Rio Ferdinand, Football, Premier League
Cain Smith