Darren Bent questions Sir Alex Ferguson’s alleged role in Cristiano Ronaldo talks but Alan Brazil defends legendary manager

Darren Bent has questioned Sir Alex Ferguson's alleged role in Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United talks, with Alan Brazil backing the Red Devils club legend.

Ronaldo has returned to England for talks with United boss Erik ten Hag to discuss his future.

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Ronaldo has been training alone in his homeland, and arrived back in Manchester on Monday evening amid growing speculation surrounding his future at the club.

The 37-year-old Portuguese superstar missed the club's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, with a family issue being cited as the reason for his absence.

Ronaldo made his return to the club's training ground on Tuesday morning, and his appearance made headlines as former manager Ferguson was seen arriving at Carrington at the same time.

It is claimed Ronaldo briefly chatting with Ferguson and Bryan Robson, with reports Sir Alex was brought in to try and help the club keep hold of their No.7.

However, Manchester United have stated that both had already been scheduled to be present for a board meeting with chief executive Richard Arnold and the club's former top dog David Gill, and that their appearances at the training ground were unrelated to Ronaldo's return.

Many view it as no coincidence, though, and Ferguson's alleged chat with Ronaldo drew criticism from talkSPORT's Darren Bent, who believes it undermines Ten Hag's position.

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"He [Sir Alex Ferguson] is the greatest manager in Manchester United's history, greatest manager in Premier League history," he told talkSPORT's Drive show.

"I don't know what it would be like having someone like that overseeing you on the decision you make.

"You look at Ralf [Rangnick] he made some tame decisions, and there was a big story about that, saying Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn't have done that.

"I don't think Erik ten Hag needs that. It would be nice to see Fergie step back from it, and let Ten Hag have a real go.

"If he [Ronaldo] can't report because he has family issues, I understand that.

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"But I don't think the whole kind of circus has "done Erik ten Hag any favours.

"Especially given Ten Hag has come out and said he wants to build his team around Ronaldo. Can you build a team around someone who has made it evidently clear they don't want to be there?

"I don't think you can. You try and get as much money for him, you let him go, and then try and move forward with the squad that you have."

However, former Manchester United striker Alan Brazil was quick to back Ferguson's approach, insisting it was simply him caring for the club.

"He [Sir Alex Ferguson] cares greatly about Manchester United," said the talkSPORT Breakfast host.

"I don't think he is undermining Ten Hag at all, it is just his love for United.

"Ronaldo is a great player and professional, and I don't think Fergie has done anything wrong here."