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

Ferdinand was joining a broadcast team of Gareth Bale, Steve McManaman and Laura Woods who were previewing Liverpool's clash with Real Madrid on TNT Sports.

During the pre-match build-up, one of the team's balls flew towards the punditry team and it was clear that Ferdinand's muscle memory kicked in. 

The former Manchester United defender - who retired in 2015 - stepped back and headed ball back where it came - much like how he would have done in his playing days.

While Woods was further away from the action, Bale and McManaman were left ducking as the ball was flying over, before Ferdinand intervened.

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

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

'I thought that it'd be seamless (Liverpool's transition),' admitted McManaman. 'I didn't expect the results to go as well as they have done. 

'We expected a blip now and again - the fact it has only happened to Nottingham Forest and Arsenal away is very surprising. 

'They've been dominant in the league and been fortunate with other clubs dropping points. It's been absolutely excellent.'

Ferdinand then interrupted: ' Why did you think it would be seamless?'

'I thought the sporting directors were going to bring in the type of manager who would match the team,' continued McManaman.

'They were not going to bring in a manager who would change the starting 11, changing the way they play, or change the formation.' 

However the former Manchester United centre half felt he detected something of a jib from the Liverpool legend, the two clubs sharing a storied rivalry throughout the history of English football. 

As such, he retorted: 'Is that a dig? He's having a dig at Man United already? What are you doing?'

Ferdinand also jumped to the defence of Mohamed Salah amid his contract stand-off with Liverpool. 

The Egyptian's contract is set to expire at the end of this season and he recently claimed in a shock interview that there are no new offers to stay from Liverpool chiefs.

The forward, 32, conducted a rare interview with Mail Sport and a small group of other reporters after scoring twice in the 3-2 victory at Southampton, where he said he was 'more out than in' and criticised the club.

It drew criticism from the likes of club legend Jamie Carragher who claimed that Salah was acting 'selfish' by venting his frustration in public but now Ferdinand has argued back.