TNT Sports seem to have found a new pundit to replace Rio Ferdinand ahead of the new season. The Manchester United legend announced his exit from the broadcaster earlier this year in a statement on social media.

After a decade of service with the network, previously branded as BT Sport, Ferdinand decided to step away to dedicate more time to 'other business interests' and his family life. On X, formerly known as Twitter, the 46-year-old shared: "Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade."

He expressed gratitude towards the team behind the scenes, stating: "I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success.

"As I turn the page to the next chapter, I carry with me countless memories. I am excited about what the future holds - spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests."

The ex-United skipper has amassed over one million subscribers on his YouTube channel and runs his own apparel brand, FIVE. With the kickoff of the new season imminent, TNT Sports is said to have already identified a successor for the former defender.

According to business publication City AM, TNT Sports has booked Joel Ward to join Steve McManaman on the punditry panel for the Community Shield clash between Liverpool and Crystal Palace. The report suggests that the former Eagles defender is not being considered as a long-term replacement for Ferdinand.

After 13 years at Selhurst Park, Ward left Palace following the expiration of his contract in the summer. Speaking to the club website, the 35-year-old said: "For me, it’s been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club.

"It’s been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life. Obviously, I came from somewhere else.

"But I’ve been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I’d like to think I’m part of the family. This isn’t ‘goodbye’ – it’s merely a 'see you later'."

Despite leaving Palace and landing a feature on TNT Sports, Ward told talkSPORT he has no plans to hang up his boots. The defender said: "The idea is to carry on.

"I've still got the hunger, still got the desire to play and to cross that white line. So until that leaves my body, I don’t plan on giving up any time soon."

In March, TNT Sports secured a four-year contract with the FA for the broadcasting rights to the Emirates FA Cup, commencing from the 2025/26 season. The broadcaster will air live matches starting from the first round, with all games from the third round of the world's oldest national football competition – excluding 3pm kick-offs – available up to the final at Wembley Stadium.

TNT Sports will also broadcast the Community Shield this Sunday. In addition, the broadcaster extended its rights to air Premier League matches for another four years, through to the 2028/29 season.