Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has hit out at Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the 37-year-old’s recent behaviour at the club is unacceptable.
Ronaldo stole the headlines in September for storming down the tunnel during United’s Premier League 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
After refusing to come on as a substitute in the second-half against Spurs at Old Trafford, Ronaldo was dropped from Manchester United’s squad for their 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
But, Rooney, who is currently the manager of DC United, said that United don’t need any distraction from Ronaldo, adding that the Portugal skipper should keep his head down and be ready to play when manager Erik ten Hag needs him.
Speaking with talkSPORT, Rooney was asked if United are a better squad with Ronaldo in the team, and he responded, “No, I don’t think so. He and Messi are arguably the two best players of all time and you can go either way with that, whatever way you decide.
“But I just think the things he has done from the start of the season is not acceptable for Manchester United. I have seen Roy Keane defending him. Roy wouldn’t accept that.”
“It’s a distraction which Manchester United don’t need at the minute. 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, he will become an unwanted distraction.”
Ronaldo, who failed to secure an exit away from the Red Devils earlier this summer, has started just four Premier League games this campaign.
So far, he has only netted three goals and contributed one assist in 16 games across competitions for United.
While lauding new Erik ten Hag’s efforts, Rooney added: “He’s shown his strength and his character with how he dealt with Cristiano at times. He’s the right man for the job. I think it will take time but it’s a real step in the right direction to finish in that top four and get Champions League football again.”
