MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has defended Cristiano Ronaldo over his work rate after the 36-year-old rescued the Red Devils in the Champions League.

Ronaldo scored two, including a last-gasp equaliser away at Atalanta on Tuesday to rescue a point.

And former team-mate Ferdinand has defended Ronaldo, who has come under criticism in recent weeks for his lack of pressing.

Ferdinand rubbished criticism of Ronaldo's work rate, saying the Portugal captain 'does the hardest thing' in games – score goals.

The former England international told BT Sport: "People say [Cristiano Ronaldo] doesn't work hard enough but he does the hardest thing in the game – score goals.

"At that critical moment he steps up – in any country, in any stadium, at any time. He just arrives on the biggest occasions and delivers.

"There aren't anymore words that we can say about this guy than the way he puts the in the back of the net."

Ronaldo's brace takes his goals tally to nine across all competitions this season.

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The forward has struck five times in the Champions League and four in the Premier League.

Ronaldo has scored SIX more than rival Lionel Messi since their moves to United and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.

Ronaldo called on his team-mates to improve after the 2-2 draw.

He said: "It was a difficult game. I know when we play in Bergamo it is always difficult, but we believe until the end and I am so happy.

"We never give up, we believe until the end, it is a good result for us.

“The beginning was tough, we knew Atalanta would do a lot of pressure, they have a fantastic coach.

“When I played at Juventus they were always difficult to play against. We were a little bit lucky in the end but that is football.

"We have to still improve, we have different players, different system, we have to adapt with each other, but it will take time. We have time to improve and be better."

Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Ronaldo is his Michael Jordan.

Solskjaer hailed his big game player, saying: "You play for Manchester United or the Chicago Bulls because you can come up with these moments.

“I’m sure the Chicago Bulls didn’t mind having Michael Jordan. And that’s what Cristiano is like for us.

“If there is anyone you want a chance to fall to in the last minute – and a difficult chance – then it’s Cristiano. That technique on the volley is just incredible.

“We all have roles and responsibilities and for us he’s a leader and scores goals. He’s getting better and better.”

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