As we unpack what Cristiano Ronaldo has said in his recent interview with Piers Morgan, one story that has not been spoken about as much is how Ronaldo thinks he has been unfairly criticised by former teammate Wayne Rooney.
In the interview, Ronaldo said “Wayne Rooney? I don’t know why he criticises me so much. Probably because he retired while I’m still at the top level.”
He further went on to say “I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true.”[Piers Morgan Uncensored]
It is safe to say that Ronaldo and Rooney have not always had the best relationship after what happened in the World Cup in 2006 where Rooney fouled Carvalho and Ronaldo pleaded to the ref to give him a card but not a specific as a red card which Rooney received in the end.
A wink from Cristiano after the incident left a bittersweet taste for United fans as Rooney was annoyed, it also took a long time to rebuild that relationship again, however, Rooney said to the Portuguese to focus on what is best for Manchester United when the 2006/07 season was starting.
That relationship between the two United legends seems to have fallen again with these recent comments from Ronaldo.
Both quotes have digs at Wayne Rooney but the first quote shows that Ronaldo seems to have cut ends on communication with Rooney after he has been critiquing him. If someone however questions Rooney on his opinion about the Portuguese sensation he won’t try and just give him compliments because as a former teammate Wayne knows what he is capable of.
As Rooney has had more interviews and written pieces in newspapers over the last couple of years about United and Ronaldo it is clear to see many United fans think Ronaldo can’t lead the line of attack for United anymore because he does not fit the way Erik Ten Hag wants to play.
He is still a top class player and will go down as one of the best or even the best footballer of all time but towards the latter stages of his career he needs to find a club who aren’t reliant on pressing. This will be hard for him with the modern game and the top clubs adapting this type of football.
