Wayne Rooney has called out fellow Manchester United legend Roy Keane for defending superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 37-year-old has endured a difficult campaign to date for United with a lack of starts under new boss Erik ten Hag with things coming to a boiling point last month when he stormed off down the tunnel early against Tottenham.
It was one of a number of incidents that has shown tension between Ronaldo and ten Hag - creating speculation over Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford once again.
Former Red Devils captain Keane was among the few defending the former Real Madrid forward, insisting it's frustration.
Rooney, however, has hit back at the Irishman with claims that he wouldn't have stood for such behaviour when he was captain at United.
'No, I don't think so,' Rooney told TalkSport. 'Him 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, 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.'
The DC United manager has also insisted that Ronaldo could still be an asset for United if he knuckles down and understands his role under the Dutchman this campaign.
'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.'
After being banished from the first-team after the Tottenham incident and being forced to miss the Chelsea clash, Ronaldo has worked his way back into the picture at United.
The Portugal international returned in the Europa League and then even wore the captain's armband as they suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend.
He wasn't part of the matchday squad during the club's 4-2 victory over Villa in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.
Footyfan90s
218
Those who are asking who is Rooney to say so. He is the clubs all time top scorer. Wayne Rooney (253)- more than Dennis Law, Bobby Charlton or George best. One of Man Utd legends. He has the guts unlike his former team mates. N He is right. Just look at the back to back Aston Villa games- Man U went from clueless to unstoppable force ( granted Bruno is a reason but still). He got one goal and no assists in 10 games - maybe didn't start games- but he played 520 min and has one 1G/A. That is very poor for a striker who plays as Striker for a team with top 4 ambition.
N0_N0NsENSE
118
Ronaldo's fans: Manchester United fans should respect Ronaldo as he is a legend of the team. Also Ronaldo's fan: Ronaldo's boot is bigger than Wayne Rooney(arguably the biggest manchester united legend). IYKYK 🤣🤣🤣
sescemorsz
79
Ronaldo funs behave like Ghanaian politicians 😂😂😂😂😂when the thing is not on they are side they talk rubbish 😂😂😂what Rooney is saying is true…Finsh
21Legacy
53
CR7 is the one and only GOAT. FACTOS 👍👀
tezcdknpz
49
Bodabekpst
20
truth will always have its way through the holes of bitter hearts. Rooney is right.
ceodenpy
19
Then why not allow the guy to go when he wanted to go??
He was asked to find a team together with his agent, but failed.
kuoacelnuz
13
Same united legend never won Ballon D’or Rooney is senseless he should focus on his failed coaching career
kids this days. Getting behind the keyboard and typing trash. I bet kids don't even know who Rooney is. just googled up his name and read an article how he failed to stop a team from relegation, which started the season under Rooney with -12 points and plus going bankrupt and Rooney paid some wages of some coaching staff from his own pocket. Judging someone by how many ballondr he have, how pathetic can one football fan become. Xavi, Iniesta, Koeman, Maradona, Ramos, Lewandoski didn't win a ballondr so does that mean they are failed football players.
Yidacimoz
11
Those who are asking who is Rooney to say so. He is the clubs all time top scorer. Wayne Rooney (253)- more than Dennis Law, Bobby Charlton or George best. One of Man Utd legends. He has the guts unlike his former team mates. N He is right. Just look at the back to back Aston Villa games- Man U went from clueless to unstoppable force ( granted Bruno is a reason but still). He got one goal and no assists in 10 games - maybe didn't start games- but he played 520 min and has one 1G/A. That is very poor for a striker who plays as Striker for a team with top 4 ambition.
At times i consider some football fans stupid. I am a big fan of Ronaldo and also a big fan of manchester united. Ronney is very correct, no player is bigger than the club. As A fan of Ronaldo at times am worried with his attitude, he gas to be an example to the younger generation coming up. The coach cannot keep on playing Ronaldo without goals coming out, it means he wants to drop the club. we fans of manunited wants to see the club winning, no matter who scores and he who scores is the hero of the day, it must not only be Ronaldo.
themonkjr
11
Aston Villa was the only game we lost with Ronaldo in the starting line-up. We were thrashed by city in which Ronaldo didn't play a minute; we needed him to get 3 points vs Everton; we needed his perfect assist to beat west ham
so Brentford and Brighton was a joke to you
Lioakoruz
10
Those who are asking who is Rooney to say so. He is the clubs all time top scorer. Wayne Rooney (253)- more than Dennis Law, Bobby Charlton or George best. One of Man Utd legends. He has the guts unlike his former team mates. N He is right. Just look at the back to back Aston Villa games- Man U went from clueless to unstoppable force ( granted Bruno is a reason but still). He got one goal and no assists in 10 games - maybe didn't start games- but he played 520 min and has one 1G/A. That is very poor for a striker who plays as Striker for a team with top 4 ambition.
agreed and at Man Utd Rooney is a legend compared to CR7 these Ronaldo fans r just blind or never knew football.