Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo does everything on the pitch but wear the captain's armband.
Ronaldo made a sensational return to Old Trafford in summer, 12 years after he left United for Real Madrid.
The Portugal international hit the ground running scoring a brace in his first game back for the Red Devils and has since bagged 13 across all competitions.
Ronaldo was crucial for United, scoring a number of clutch goals for the side during their overall struggles under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner came under fire for a supposed lack of effort on an attacking front in the build up to the Norwegian's sacking.
The Red Devils suffered a run of humiliating results with defeats to Liverpool, Manchester City and Watford before the club finally sacked the Norwegian.
The team repeatedly came under fire for their performances but Ronaldo in particular attracted critics of his perceived lack of pressing.
But Silvestre, who played alongside Ronaldo for five years at Old Trafford. has rubbished the claims of Ronaldo being a problem in the Red Devils' camp.
‘This comment about him being a problem is absolute rubbish. Look at the ratio of goals scored; chances created since the start of the season,’ Silvestre told the Daily Star via FreeBets.com.
‘He wants to help, wants to win trophies. He didn’t come to United to relax pre-retirement, it’s an even a bigger challenge than what he faced at his previous clubs.
‘He left United after winning the Ballon D’or, winning the Premier League and being a top player. He knew there would be questions asked of him and what he can bring but he’s a leader.
‘He doesn’t wear the armband, but he shows the way, and everything has been positive in what he’s done.’