Boxing legend and Manchester City fan Ricky Hatton has named three reasons why he would like to knock out Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

Hatton enjoyed a phenomenal boxing career fighting the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao on the grandest stages. Now retired, the Stockport-born fighter has turned his hand to training and devotes time to watching his beloved City.

Despite having hung up his gloves a long time ago, Hatton has admitted he would come out of retirement to enter the ring with Al Nassr striker Ronaldo. Explaining why to Betway, The Hitman said: "I've never met Cristiano. I believe he's a good lad, but let's have it right.

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"He did play for Manchester United. He's really good-looking.

"Why would you not want to knock him out? If you played for Manchester United - the best player in the world and he’s a good-looking fella. The opposite to me."

City currently find themselves in a difficult period after a spell of dominance at the top. Reflecting on this, Hatton acknowledged that this is a tough period for his club but they will be able to overcome it.

"I think we're just in a rut. Everyone gets in a rut from time to time," he explained. "Let's have it right, we're history makers. We've won the league four years on the bounce.

"So, that consistency has never really been a problem. Football has been great.

"But sometimes when you get into a little bit of a rut, you just can't get out of it. You just have to keep your head down and go through it.

"I can't really point the finger at what it is. Confidence is obviously seriously lacking."