Cristiano Ronaldo: Rooney used to get Fergie’s criticism to save CR7 from tears at Man Utd

Wayne Rooney’s recent appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football has brought his relationship with fellow Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo firmly into the spotlight.

While covering Crystal Palace’s 3-0 victory over Arsenal earlier this week, Rooney was asked whether Ronaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford had been a success.

“You’d have to say no at the minute,” replied United’s record goalscorer.

“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’re looking to the future of the club, you have to go with younger, hungry players to do the best and lift Manchester United over these next two or three years.

“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.”

Ronaldo was quick to snap back at Rooney on social media, implying that the England striker – who retired last year – was “jealous”.

The Derby boss has since laughed off that response, admitting that pretty much player, bar Lionel Messi, is envious of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

The Rooney and Ronaldo relationship dates back close to two decades to their early days at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, where both thrived under the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson.

While Ronaldo might be several leagues above Rooney in terms of superstar status today, the scouser once revealed that he frequently had to protect his Portuguese colleague from Sir Alex’s infamous hairdryer treatment during his first few years at Old Trafford.

In modern times, Ronaldo has adapted his game to become a predatory goal poacher. However, when he first burst on to the scene, the now