Cristiano Ronaldo sends 'values' message amid Manchester United struggles

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has emphasised the importance of "family, love, honesty, friendship and values" after celebrating his 37th birthday.

The Portuguese international, who returned to Old Trafford from Juventus in last summer's transfer window, turned 37 on Saturday, just hours after missing a penalty in United's FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Middlesbrough on Friday evening.

Ronaldo passed up the opportunity to hand United the lead against the Championship side with 20 minutes on the clock, dragging his penalty wide of the Boro goalkeeper Joe Lumley's right-hand post. Jadon Sancho gave United the lead five minutes later, but Matt Crooks' controversial equaliser sent the game to extra-time and then penalties, which saw United lose 8-7.

Despite being denied an early birthday present, the defeat did not appear to dampen Ronaldo's spirits too much, as he shared an image on social media of himself and his girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, plus a birthday cake spelling out his trademark 'CR7' initials.

Along with the photograph, Ronaldo spoke about the importance of family, despite being driven to succeed in football.

Ronaldo tweeted: "Life is a roller coaster. Hard work, high speed, urgent goals, demanding expectations… But in the end, it all comes down to family, love, honesty, friendship, values that make it all worth it.

"Thanks for all the messages! 37 and counting!"

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