Ferdinand rolls back the years with thumping header while on TNT punditry duty

They say you never lose it and Rio Ferdinand demonstrated that when he produced a header while on duty.

Ferdinand joined a broadcast team of Gareth Bale, Steve McManaman and Laura Woods who previewed Liverpool's match with Real Madrid on TNT Sports.

During pre-match preparation, one of the team's balls flew towards the expert team and it was clear that Ferdinand's muscle memory was kicking in.

The former Manchester United defender – who retired in 2015 – took a step back and headed the ball back where it came – just as he would have done in his playing days.

With Woods further away from the action, Bale and McManaman continued to duck as the ball flew over before Ferdinand intervened.

Elsewhere during the build-up, Ferdinand accused McManaman of poking a fan at his former side United ahead of Liverpool's mouth-watering Champions League tie.

McManaman, who played for Liverpool from 1990 to 1999, revealed he was surprised by how strong his former side have been so far.

“I thought it would be seamless (Liverpool's transition),” McManaman admitted. 'I didn't expect the results to go so well.

'We expected a setback every now and then, the fact that this has only happened to Nottingham Forest and Arsenal is very surprising.

'They have been dominant in the league and have been fortunate that other clubs have dropped points. It was absolutely excellent.'

Ferdinand then interrupted, “What made you think it would be seamless?”

“I thought the sporting directors would bring in the type of manager that would suit the team,” McManaman continued.

'They weren't going to bring in a manager who would change the starting XI, change the way they play or change the formation.'

However, the former Manchester United centre-half felt he was sensing something of a joke from the Liverpool legend, with the two clubs sharing a storied rivalry throughout the history of English football.

As such, he responded, “Is that a dig?” Has he already fallen out with Man United? What are you doing?'

Ferdinand also jumped to Mohamed Salah's defense during his contract standoff at Liverpool.

The Egyptian's contract expires at the end of this season and he recently claimed in a shocking interview that there have been no new offers to stay from Liverpool chiefs.

The 32-year-old forward gave a rare interview with Mail Sport and a small group of other reporters after scoring twice in the 3-2 win over Southampton, where he said he was 'more out than in' and criticized the club .

It drew criticism from the likes of club legend Jamie Carragher, who claimed Salah was acting 'selfishly' by expressing his frustration in public, but now Ferdinand has fought back.