Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and more: Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand builds ultimate Premier League XI

Rio Ferdinand has named his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and Arsenal icon Thierry Henry in an ultimate Premier League XI. The ex-Red Devils defender created a formidable team boasting players from several of the big six.

Ferdinand spoke to Mail Sport and gave his lineup, which was dominated by United icons. He went with:

Edwin van der Sar was named in goal, and the Dutch goalkeeper held the fort for the Red Devils for six years. He helped Sir Alex Ferguson's team win four titles, making 186 Premier League appearances and keeping 94 clean sheets.

Kyle Walker is the only current-day player named in Ferdinand's team, and he's been superb for Manchester City. The six-time Premier League champion has appeared 403 times in the English top flight, scoring six goals and providing 23 assists.

Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic forged one of the most formidable partnerships at the back for United. They won 10 titles together as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2008.

Patrice Evra was a mainstay in United's side at the time and excelled on the left flank. The Frenchman managed seven goals and 26 assists in 273 league games.

Cristiano Ronaldo's development into a five-time Ballon d'Or winner essentially started in the Premier League. The Portuguese icon was a tricky young winger before his Real Madrid days, managing 118 goals in 292 games across competitions.

Paul Scholes was a sensational ball-playing midfielder whose versatility was vital for Ferguson. The English playmaker, who won 11 titles, posted 107 goals and 60 assists in 499 league games.

Patrick Vieira was a Premier League hardman but extremely agile in the middle of the park for Arsenal. The Frenchman captained the Gunners to three titles with 28 goals and 33 assists in 279 games.

Ryan Giggs' longevity was astounding as he adapted with the times, moving into central midfield in his thirties. He scored in every season he played bar his last, winning 13 titles, making a club record 632 appearances with 108 goals and 164 assists.

Thierry Henry was chosen up top, and he was one of the most entertaining attackers in Premier League history. The Arsenal legend registered 175 goals and 72 assists in 258 games.

Wayne Rooney came to the fore on so many occasions during his career. The five-time Premier League winner went from a teenage prospect at Everton to world-class talent at United. He hit 183 goals and 101 assists in 393 games.

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"Really need it" - Cristiano Ronaldo wished Ruben Amorim well at Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo hopes Ruben Amorim does well at Manchester United (Image - Getty)

Manchester United have fallen from grace since Ferdinand and Cristiano Ronaldo flourished under Ferguson. They have fallen from the top of English football and are struggling to keep pace with the likes of City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.

Ruben Amorim is tasked with trying to restore the club's glory days after replacing Erik ten Hag last month. The Portuguese coach has a huge task on his hands with the Red Devils failing to win a title post-Sir Alex.

Cristiano Ronaldo knows Amorim well, as they played together at international level for Portugal. The Manchester United legend hopes he's a success at Old Trafford (via GOAL):

"I wish him all the luck in the world. Manchester United really need it."

Amorim is overhauling United's tactical setup with a 3-4-3 formation that found success at Sporting CP. He led the Portuguese outfit to two Liga Portugal titles with a record of 165 wins in 231 games.