Maguire defends his former Man Utd teammate Ronaldo after his exit from the club

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has defended Cristiano Ronaldo after the striker's dramatic exit from the club.

The 37-year-old left Old Trafford after giving an explosive interview with Piers Morgan that saw him criticise United, manager Erik ten Hag and the Glazers.

A statement released by Ronaldo said he 'loved Manchester United and the fans' but was ready to seek 'new challenges.'

While many condemned the striker for complaining about the club so publicly, Maguire has stood by his former teammate. Speaking ahead of England's World Cup clash against the USA on Friday, he said: 'As a footballer nobody likes being criticised but I think it's part and parcel of the game.

'I've played with Cristiano Ronaldo for the last couple of years and he's one of the greatest players to ever kick a football.

'He gets criticised daily, so if it's going to happen to him and the position I'm in playing for Manchester United, it's going to happen to each and every one of us. You've just got to work hard, go into training, do your best and that's all you can do.'

Despite his antics off the pitch, Ronaldo showed why he is still a force to be reckoned with on it with a classy showing against Ghana in his first game since becoming a free agent.

He became the first man in history to score at five different World Cups, opening the scoring from the penalty spot in a thrilling 3-2 win for Portugal.

The win puts Ronaldo's side top of Group H after Uruguay drew with South Korea, but there may be some concern at how close they were run by Ghana.

Portugal are next in action against Uruguay on Monday.