Ben Foster blasts 'mad' critics of Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo's critics, branding them 'mad'.

Ronaldo has been at his goal-scoring best over the past few matches and managed to United once again on Thursday night. They were trailing 1-0 to Chelsea after a Marcos Alonso strike that flew past David de Gea.

However, just moments later, a delightful ball by Nemanja Matic put Ronaldo through one-on-one with Edouard Mendy and the Portuguese international made no mistake. The goal moved Ronaldo on to 23 goals this season and, with another year left on his contract, it is clear he wants to continue playing for as long as possible.

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United's forward has faced his critics this season, though. Ronaldo faced a baron run of form at the beginning of 2022, failing to find the net until a 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion in mid-February.

Foster, who was speaking to the Mirror to promote The Ben Foster Podcast, was quick to slam Ronaldo's critics. "It was nice to see him up close and then you could see for yourself what the level is," he explained.

"The level is high as you like. For a 37-year-old, he is an absolute specimen. He is still rapid. He is just one of those who is a natural goalscorer.

"For me, in that eternal Messi v Ronaldo debate, he is still number one for me. I think even this season people are completely mad that they think he is finished. He's not finished. Look how many goals he has scored, that's incredible.

"For anybody, that is a fantastic season, but because it is Ronaldo, people expect 30, 40, 50 goals. No. He is playing in a team that is not firing on all cylinders so you are not going to