Ronaldo bites back at 'jealous' Rooney amid criticism of Man Utd return from former team-mate

Cristiano Ronaldo has responded to questions being asked of his decision to rejoin Manchester United in the summer of 2021 by branding former team-mate Wayne Rooney, who has suggested that a move was not right for all parties, as “jealous”.

The Red Devils’ all-time leading goalscorer was a guest on Sky Sports during their coverage of Arsenal’s Premier League defeat at Crystal Palace, with the ex-England captain inevitably being asked about the presence at Old Trafford of a man that he once played alongside.

Rooney claimed that Ronaldo is “getting on a bit” and “isn’t the player he was”, with the Portuguese coming in for criticism at times this season as he struggles to provide the level of inspiration that United are crying out for, but an iconic 37-year-old continues to turn a deaf ear to his doubters.

The former United forward, who famously drew a wink from Ronaldo after being sent off for England against Portugal at the 2006 World Cup, told Sky Sports when asked if re-signing a club legend had worked out for the Red Devils: “You’d have to say no, at the minute.

“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 look to the future of the club you would have to go with younger, hungry players to do the best to lift Manchester United over these next two, three years.

“And 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. He’s a goal threat but I think the rest of the game they need more, they need young, hungry players.

“I think they’ve got good young players. I think [Jadon] Sancho will be better next year, I think