The Portuguese superstar has seen his decision to head back to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021 questioned by a man he once played alongside
Cristiano Ronaldo has responded to questions being asked of his decision to rejoin Manchester United in the summer of 2021 by branding former team-mate Wayne Rooney, who has suggested that a move was not right for all parties, as “jealous”.
The Red Devils’ all-time leading goalscorer was a guest on Sky Sports during their coverage of Arsenal’s Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace, with the ex-England captain inevitably being asked about the presence at Old Trafford of a man that he once played alongside.
Rooney claimed that Ronaldo is “getting on a bit” and “isn’t the player he was”, with the Portuguese coming in for criticism at times this season as he struggles to provide the level of inspiration that United are crying out for, but an iconic 37-year-old continues to turn a deaf ear to his doubters.
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The former United forward, who famously drew a wink from Ronaldo after being sent off for England against Portugal at the 2006 World Cup, told Sky Sports when asked if re-signing a club legend had worked out for the Red Devils: “You’d have to say no, at the minute.
“I think he’s scored goals, he’s scored important goals in the Champions League early on in the season. He scored the hat-trick against Tottenham.
“But I think if you look to the future of the club you would have to go with younger, hungry players to do the best to lift Manchester United over these next two, three years.
“And obviously Cristiano is getting on a bit. He certainly isn’t the player he was when he was in his 20s. And that happens, that’s football. He’s a goal threat but I think the rest of the game they need more, they need young, hungry players.
“I think they’ve got good young players. I think [Jadon] Sancho will be better next year, I think Marcus [Rashford] will be better next year.
“They’ve got good young players, I think Jesse Lingard should be playing for them because he brings energy, he brings quality. Scott McTominay has done well, so they have got some good young players.
“They just have to get that confidence, get them believing they are good players and perform at a better level and then obviously whoever the new manager is he’ll bring his own players in and try to rebuild that group.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner responded to a post from Rooney on Instagram by claiming that his former colleague is “two jealous”.
While fingers of blame have been pointed in Ronaldo’s direction this season, as questions are asked of his work rate and supposed leadership skills, he has still hit 18 goals through 32 appearances in all competitions.
He is destined to end the 2021-22 campaign empty-handed, as all avenues to major silverware have been shut off for United, but a top-four finish and Champions League qualification remains there to be shot at.
The Red Devils, who were held to a 1-1 home draw by Leicester in their last outing as Ronaldo missed out through illness, will be back in action on Saturday when taking in a trip to relegation-threatened Everton.
Andy_Mac
0
What a cry baby! Crying bitterly over the success of another! Is Ronaldo the cause of ur frustrations?? Did he steal ur girlfriend or something?? Take a chill pill and grow the fvck up and stop being a little br@t! Give credit to whom it is due and quit hating! It will only damage ur reasoning further! U have made no valid sense here as to why Ronaldo should not be seen as the best player in that washed up team! What are the young players like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho and Elegna doing?? How many goals have they scored this season compared to a 37yrs old Ronaldo whom you claim is out of from?? Fvcking clown! 🤡
"Is Ronaldo the cause of ur frustrations?" [Crylaugh][Crylaugh] Mate, I think Ronaldo is the frustrated man out there. It's going so bad for him on the field that he decided to take out his frustration on an Everton fan and broke his phone. Then comes out with an apology only to make things worse by inviting the fan to watch a game at Old Trafford (as though the phone damage wasn't punishment enough) [Crylaugh] Going back to the game, Ronaldo was so awful that he managed less touches of the ball than Jordan Pickford, the Everton goalkeeper. I'm spitting out facts mate, this isn't hating.
Andy_Mac
0
What a cry baby! Crying bitterly over the success of another! Is Ronaldo the cause of ur frustrations?? Did he steal ur girlfriend or something?? Take a chill pill and grow the fvck up and stop being a little br@t! Give credit to whom it is due and quit hating! It will only damage ur reasoning further! U have made no valid sense here as to why Ronaldo should not be seen as the best player in that washed up team! What are the young players like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho and Elegna doing?? How many goals have they scored this season compared to a 37yrs old Ronaldo whom you claim is out of from?? Fvcking clown! 🤡
So Mr Big Mouth, where was Cristiano Ronaldo? I didn't see him today in the Everton match. That Everton defence is easily the worst defence in the PL but yet Man Utd couldn't score. If only Cristiano Ronaldo was selected today [Crylaugh]
Andy_Mac
1
What a cry baby! Crying bitterly over the success of another! Is Ronaldo the cause of ur frustrations?? Did he steal ur girlfriend or something?? Take a chill pill and grow the fvck up and stop being a little br@t! Give credit to whom it is due and quit hating! It will only damage ur reasoning further! U have made no valid sense here as to why Ronaldo should not be seen as the best player in that washed up team! What are the young players like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho and Elegna doing?? How many goals have they scored this season compared to a 37yrs old Ronaldo whom you claim is out of from?? Fvcking clown! 🤡
What success are you talking about?? How many trophies has Cristiano Ronaldo won this season? [Crylaugh] Why do I need to cry? If anything, I should cry about how Ronaldo is wasting his career at Man Utd. And as for the other forwards you just mentioned, remember that all of them are being criticised by a large majority of football fans. If their performances were so good, they wouldn't be massively criticised. Tell me what has Cristiano Ronaldo done this season that makes him so special? He's stat padded against the weakest teams but he couldn't even turn up against Middlesbrough in a cup competition [Crylaugh] He's a bottler just like the rest of them. The man's a passenger in the team when he doesn't score. At least Rashford, Sancho, and Elanga do a lot more running and pressing and create more chances than that 37 year old dinosaur getting hype for nothing. You fanboys are hyping him for the performances of several seasons ago [Crylaugh] You have nothing good to say about him this season because when it mattered most, he regularly vanished into thin air. And you clowns think he's special this season because he scored against some minnows. 🤡 Get in the bin
Chima92
1
Dude don't argue with a football fan like me who actually watches the games. I'm not a pathetic little fanboy like you who worships players because of past and historic achievements. You're just a typical fanboy who values records and history over reality of the present. Bruno Fernandes was Man Utd's best player last season but this season, the level of his performances isn't better than Fred or de Gea. That's the simple truth. But hey what would a fanboy like you actually know when you don't watch the games. Do you think I give a shít whether Ronaldo "knows" I exist or not? [Crylaugh] I don't need acknowledgement/attention from him nor did I write this comment with the intention that he installs All Football app and reads my comment [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] I'm a football fan who comments on football because I love the game, not for likes or attention. I swear, you fanboys are the most sensitive little kids. You cry about everything. I couldn't care less if people want to disagree with my opinion. I write it as I see it. And lastly, do you think I really care if you're a Messi or Ronaldo fanboy? I am not a fanboy and I don't worship any footballer mate. I support my club Chelsea and I love the game, that's it. As simple as that.
What a cry baby! Crying bitterly over the success of another! Is Ronaldo the cause of ur frustrations?? Did he steal ur girlfriend or something?? Take a chill pill and grow the fvck up and stop being a little br@t! Give credit to whom it is due and quit hating! It will only damage ur reasoning further! U have made no valid sense here as to why Ronaldo should not be seen as the best player in that washed up team! What are the young players like Rashford, Greenwood, Sancho and Elegna doing?? How many goals have they scored this season compared to a 37yrs old Ronaldo whom you claim is out of from?? Fvcking clown! 🤡
Andy_Mac
1
I am sure you will soon say quack Maguire is also carrying the team on his shoulders while Ronaldo whose goals has rescued the useless team several times is not a professional! Let go off ur hate and learn to be objective with your judgements! Ronaldo is simply the only player in that team dead team who still has the zeal to win! De Gea to an extent! But to mention Fred whose mistakes on the pitch has cost the team points is out of line! You have missed it! 🤡
Do you think Ronaldo, Bruno, Shaw, Telles, Lindelöf, Matić, Varane, etc have not made mistakes too? Why are you singling out just Fred? The reality is that Fred actually runs more than anyone else on that football pitch. He covers every blade of grass and actually tries to win the ball as much as he can. He tries to set up attacks and also tries to do the defensive work. What's Ronaldo's contribution when he doesn't score? Absolutely nothing. Zero attempts on goal vs Atlético Madrid. How pathetic is that? Likewise what did Bruno, Rashford, Sancho, etc do? Very little. So please stop overrating these footballers. Ronaldo deserves the hype for whatever he achieved in the past but don't ever say it to me with a straight face that Ronaldo has been amazing this season. You couldn't tell a bigger white lie mate. The quality of performances from most of these players is far below par. That's the truth. Even David de Gea's kicking needs to improve. He's not the best goalkeeper this season.
Andy_Mac
1
Look at this clown! I thought you were gonna mention an important player like Bruno Fernandes who is also trying his best in the team, you had to ign0rantly mention Quack players like Fred?? 🤡 Are u fvcking Kidding me ryt now! You hate Ronaldo that much u had to give the credit of the team's performance to Fred?? Hahaha...What a clown! 🤡Sit one place and keep hating on successful people who have already made their mark in the history books and there is nothing u can do about it except getting more frustrated and hating them. Ronaldo doesn't know you exist! Keep hating while he keeps setting more records for himself. Records that may never be broken till the end of time. And i am even a Messi fan but i don't judge with blindness due to rivalry or whatever!
Dude don't argue with a football fan like me who actually watches the games. I'm not a pathetic little fanboy like you who worships players because of past and historic achievements. You're just a typical fanboy who values records and history over reality of the present. Bruno Fernandes was Man Utd's best player last season but this season, the level of his performances isn't better than Fred or de Gea. That's the simple truth. But hey what would a fanboy like you actually know when you don't watch the games. Do you think I give a shít whether Ronaldo "knows" I exist or not? [Crylaugh] I don't need acknowledgement/attention from him nor did I write this comment with the intention that he installs All Football app and reads my comment [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh] I'm a football fan who comments on football because I love the game, not for likes or attention. I swear, you fanboys are the most sensitive little kids. You cry about everything. I couldn't care less if people want to disagree with my opinion. I write it as I see it. And lastly, do you think I really care if you're a Messi or Ronaldo fanboy? I am not a fanboy and I don't worship any footballer mate. I support my club Chelsea and I love the game, that's it. As simple as that.
Chima92
1
I don't think any top quality footballer of the calibre of Wayne Rooney could ever be jealous of a player like Cristiano Ronaldo who is just humiliating himself in that joke of a team right now [Crylaugh] Maybe they would be jealous of his past achievements but right now? I don't think anyone wants to regularly lose football matches and get humiliated against teams like Watford.
I am sure you will soon say quack Maguire is also carrying the team on his shoulders while Ronaldo whose goals has rescued the useless team several times is not a professional! Let go off ur hate and learn to be objective with your judgements! Ronaldo is simply the only player in that team dead team who still has the zeal to win! De Gea to an extent! But to mention Fred whose mistakes on the pitch has cost the team points is out of line! You have missed it! 🤡
Chima92
0
Your love for Ronaldo has blinded you from the fact that he never turns up for the games that matter the most. Ronaldo has never been carrying Man Utd mate. It's actually Fred and de Gea who are carrying Man Utd. Fred is doing most of the dirty work while his teammates around him are way too lazy to run. Fred has 4 goals and 4 assists despite playing as a CDM. Fred is virtually playing as a box to box midfielder because Man Utd is hopeless in both departments - attack and defence. Fred has missed 9 games for Man Utd this season in which the team has won only 1 game whilst drawing 4 and losing 4 games. That's how abysmal your record is without Fred. I think almost every Man Utd fan can agree that David de Gea is the Man Utd player of the season. De Gea missed 3 games this season. Man Utd drew 1 and lost 2 of those games. Man Utd without Cristiano Ronaldo this season: 9 matches, 3 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses. Looks like Man Utd wouldn't miss Cristiano Ronaldo mate. He's not the most important player to that team and he certainly hasn't been carrying them.
Look at this clown! I thought you were gonna mention an important player like Bruno Fernandes who is also trying his best in the team, you had to ign0rantly mention Quack players like Fred?? 🤡 Are u fvcking Kidding me ryt now! You hate Ronaldo that much u had to give the credit of the team's performance to Fred?? Hahaha...What a clown! 🤡Sit one place and keep hating on successful people who have already made their mark in the history books and there is nothing u can do about it except getting more frustrated and hating them. Ronaldo doesn't know you exist! Keep hating while he keeps setting more records for himself. Records that may never be broken till the end of time. And i am even a Messi fan but i don't judge with blindness due to rivalry or whatever!
Andy_Mac
0
Ur hate towards Ronaldo has blinded you from knowing the fact that he is the highest goal scorer in that washed up team currently! Or are u watching a different football?? What a fvcking clown! A 37 yr old Player who is singly handedly carrying the entire team with his goals deserves all the respect and praise!
Your love for Ronaldo has blinded you from the fact that he never turns up for the games that matter the most. Ronaldo has never been carrying Man Utd mate. It's actually Fred and de Gea who are carrying Man Utd. Fred is doing most of the dirty work while his teammates around him are way too lazy to run. Fred has 4 goals and 4 assists despite playing as a CDM. Fred is virtually playing as a box to box midfielder because Man Utd is hopeless in both departments - attack and defence. Fred has missed 9 games for Man Utd this season in which the team has won only 1 game whilst drawing 4 and losing 4 games. That's how abysmal your record is without Fred. I think almost every Man Utd fan can agree that David de Gea is the Man Utd player of the season. De Gea missed 3 games this season. Man Utd drew 1 and lost 2 of those games. Man Utd without Cristiano Ronaldo this season: 9 matches, 3 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses. Looks like Man Utd wouldn't miss Cristiano Ronaldo mate. He's not the most important player to that team and he certainly hasn't been carrying them.
Chima92
0
You can barely even get top 4 let alone win trophies. That's a simple fact and the truth which any Man Utd fan should accept. Tell me what has Cristiano Ronaldo done this season to earn your unconditional support and rejection of any criticism directed towards him?
Ur hate towards Ronaldo has blinded you from knowing the fact that he is the highest goal scorer in that washed up team currently! Or are u watching a different football?? What a fvcking clown! A 37 yr old Player who is singly handedly carrying the entire team with his goals deserves all the respect and praise!
fatbikorst
0
Please Ronaldo u go where u have greetings. this is ur life time mistake to went back to this worst dead club
fatbikorst
0
Roony not deserved to pronounced Ronaldo name. Ronaldo the best ever legendary in Manchester
Reinartz07
0
Yeah what is killing the club right now is Ronaldo's legendary status in dressing room if you did not know, United have what it takes to be in top 4 without Ronaldo not contending to be with Ronaldo
did someone told u tht? how tf u know whats happening in the dressing room, dnt jst simply assume what u want.
Cazbdemty
0
is he only the one responsible for the team being in tht position? its a team game isnt it?
Yeah what is killing the club right now is Ronaldo's legendary status in dressing room if you did not know, United have what it takes to be in top 4 without Ronaldo not contending to be with Ronaldo
Reinartz07
0
It make no sense where is the team that he is representing, did United bring him back to be a top 4 contender or trophy winner this is what you ought to know
is he only the one responsible for the team being in tht position? its a team game isnt it?
topsyy190
0
For the good of Man U. Rooney was right. let's always look at the bigger picture and future of club. This boys were improving tremendously before he came in.
who h improvement are you talking about?? before Ronaldo came in what have they won??
fizbizzie
3
no one is jealous of you mr ronaldo, the footballer who plays without the football. [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Fiyadersz
1
When I hear people saying let talk the truth CR7 is not the same let talk about the youth. Did he stop the hound one from scoring, see what mbappe is doing that is what u expect from young players, with or without Messi they don’t miss him but when 37 years CR7 don’t play united lost focus u don’t kw where goal will come from but stay England pundit want hip them. English player not good enough they should accept it all they have is big mouth and prices them with 100millions of what they can’t do. Now they selling Rice 150m 🤷♂️🤷♂️
Cazbdemty
0
The last time Rooney scored 20 goals in all competitions for Manchester United was in 11/12 when he was 27 years old. Cristiano Ronaldo at 37 years old already has 18 goals with 8 games left to play. 🤫 🔥
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It make no sense where is the team that he is representing, did United bring him back to be a top 4 contender or trophy winner this is what you ought to know
Pakbikrstz
0
Hey
Zakbciklou
0
Ziziz idee
Sssmansy
4
The last time Rooney scored 20 goals in all competitions for Manchester United was in 11/12 when he was 27 years old. Cristiano Ronaldo at 37 years old already has 18 goals with 8 games left to play. 🤫 🔥
peeaceksyz
1
For the good of Man U. Rooney was right. let's always look at the bigger picture and future of club. This boys were improving tremendously before he came in.
for a team that never won silverware to carry Ronaldo in its a disappointing for Ronaldo to join them
zikclmrsy
1
‘jealous’ is always a great word to use when things said don’t go your way
pohciklnuy
0
That’s what the stupid man could do since. Messi n Ronaldo have nothing to proof .messi going to psg in an easier league is wise. Everyone knows their runn out of time. Ron wants to boast n show he’s still good retu back to the toughes league at 35? He should have remained in serie A or cut his pay. Now his disgracing himself everywhere. Truth is weather messi easily scores a goal the easiest league, and Ronaldo. Scores a goal in epl the hardest league, it’ll still count as one goal, but now city don’t want him
wow u being a real fam thinks epl is the hardest league. lmfao Spanish league are much better, epl is just overrated
Poecdorsuz
1
who talks about Ronaldo? how can pipo play football and achieve not up to 1/3 of wat Ronaldo has achieve (not including the Golden balls) and after retirement u start talking trash about someone who has done it all. Ronaldo at his worst that's if he ever is, is better than all the so call pundits at their best
Ronaldo at his worst is not better than Rooney at his best though
Andy_Mac
1
Blabbing rubbish out of hate! Don't be a f00l
You can barely even get top 4 let alone win trophies. That's a simple fact and the truth which any Man Utd fan should accept. Tell me what has Cristiano Ronaldo done this season to earn your unconditional support and rejection of any criticism directed towards him?
Chima92
1
I don't think any top quality footballer of the calibre of Wayne Rooney could ever be jealous of a player like Cristiano Ronaldo who is just humiliating himself in that joke of a team right now [Crylaugh] Maybe they would be jealous of his past achievements but right now? I don't think anyone wants to regularly lose football matches and get humiliated against teams like Watford.
Blabbing rubbish out of hate! Don't be a f00l
Rusciklnru
5
who talks about Ronaldo? how can pipo play football and achieve not up to 1/3 of wat Ronaldo has achieve (not including the Golden balls) and after retirement u start talking trash about someone who has done it all. Ronaldo at his worst that's if he ever is, is better than all the so call pundits at their best
hoodnrstuz
6
For the good of Man U. Rooney was right. let's always look at the bigger picture and future of club. This boys were improving tremendously before he came in.
baobcdelpz
0
Ronaldo please correct ur mistake ask Manchester city for transfer and go i prove what u capable of
That’s what the stupid man could do since. Messi n Ronaldo have nothing to proof .messi going to psg in an easier league is wise. Everyone knows their runn out of time. Ron wants to boast n show he’s still good retu back to the toughes league at 35? He should have remained in serie A or cut his pay. Now his disgracing himself everywhere. Truth is weather messi easily scores a goal the easiest league, and Ronaldo. Scores a goal in epl the hardest league, it’ll still count as one goal, but now city don’t want him
Ninbekntz
2
it's all the ex players of man utd who are destroying the players by criticizing them let them shut up
Andy_Mac
5
I don't think any top quality footballer of the calibre of Wayne Rooney could ever be jealous of a player like Cristiano Ronaldo who is just humiliating himself in that joke of a team right now [Crylaugh] Maybe they would be jealous of his past achievements but right now? I don't think anyone wants to regularly lose football matches and get humiliated against teams like Watford.
zokkmorst
5
he should stop hiding vs top teams rather writing nonsense on Instagram all the time Instagram Goat 🐐🐐🐐 penddduuuu suiiiiiiii
Vowcilt
3
kkkllkkk jealous of what he just said the true for the good of the institution ...u got a big mouth plus your circus...
Vawcdiknoz
1
I don't know why former man u player especially English one like talking too much about united if united s team was strong I tell Cr7 could have given the team many goals now the said young ones re the worst ever
Joaeiknrtu
2
Ronaldo please correct ur mistake ask Manchester city for transfer and go i prove what u capable of
Yizbclptz
0
"Too jealous"😫