They were staring down the barrel of defeat when Ronaldo missed in the penalty shootout, with Petr Cech saving from the Portugal international.
However, mistakes from John Terry and Nicolas Anelka saw Ferdinand’s United win the prize.
And, now, Ferdinand has admitted the win was extra special because it meant getting one over on Chelsea’s English stars.
That night, the Blues had Terry, Lampard, Ashley Cole and Joe Cole in their side.
And Ferdinand told The Sun: “I was desperate to win, not just because I was playing for United but also because I couldn’t bear the thought of having to face them in the England camp as a loser.
Man Utd hero Rio Ferdinand has hailed the 2008 Chelsea Champions League final win (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd beating Chelsea in 2008 was made special by English quartet (Image: GETTY)
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“I don’t think we even mentioned it when we turned up for England training... you just knew that they knew who the winners and losers were.
“A week after that final all eight of us who played in Moscow were involved in England’s 2-0 victory over the USA at Wembley - seven of us started and Joe Cole came on as sub.
“There was no animosity among us we just got on with the job and I’m sure the current England lads are professional enough to do the same in what will be a far bigger England clash, the Nations League semi-final against Holland on Thursday.”
Liverpool and Tottenham will contest this year’s Champions League final on Saturday night (8pm).