The start of the 2022/23 Premier League season coincided with an alarming decline in Cristiano Ronaldo’s performances.
The Portuguese ace is now heading towards an inevitable exit from Old Trafford with his second stint in Manchester disappointing to say the least.
With many expecting Ronaldo to depart United during the winter transfer window, several have begun to question his commitment to the club that made him a global superstar almost 20 years ago.
The latest to the criticize the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is Manchester United’s record goal scorer Wayne Rooney who has urged his former teammate to knuckle down.
“Him (Ronaldo) and Messi are arguably the two best players of all-time and you can go either way with that, whatever way you decide,” Rooney told talkSport.
“But I just think the things he has done from the start of season, it is not acceptable for Manchester United.
“I’ve seen Roy Keane defending him. Roy wouldn’t accept that. Roy wouldn’t accept that at all.
“It is a distraction which Manchester United don’t need at the minute, trying to rebuild. For Cristiano, just get your head down and work and be ready to play when the manager needs you.
“If he does that, he will be an asset. If he doesn’t, it will become an unwanted distraction.”
Praise for Ten Hag
Rooney also had praise for United’s new coach Erik Ten Hag with the D.C. United boss citing the Dutchman’s management of the Ronaldo situation as a perfect example of why he will succeed.
“I think [Erik] Ten Hag has done really well, I think he’s come in and stamped his authority on the team,” Rooney stated.
I think for the first time in two or three years, I’m starting to see an identity with Manchester United which I haven’t seen for the last two or three years.
“He showed his strength and character in how he dealt with Cristiano [Ronaldo] at times with some of the stuff he’s been up to, so I really think he’s the right man for the job, I think it will take time, but a real step in the right direction will be to finish inside the top four and get Champions League football again.”
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