Wayne Rooney called out for 'targeting' Cristiano Ronaldo by former Manchester United star

Manchester United favourite Louis Saha has sided with Cristiano Ronaldo after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was "targeted" by former teammate Wayne Rooney. Comments made by Rooney seemed to irk Ronaldo and prompted an ambiguous response on social media.

During an appearance on Sky Sports ' Monday Night Football, former England captain Rooney suggested that Ronaldo's sensational return to Old Trafford had 'not gone as planned'. The current Derby manager highlighted what his old colleague has done on the pitch - scoring 18 goals in all competitions.

However, in his analysis, Rooney suggested that United might have fared better by putting their trust in younger players. Ronaldo hit back by commenting 'two jealous' on a Rooney Instagram post featuring Jamie Carragher and Sky Sports host Dave Jones.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo sends 'fight' message after return to Manchester United training

During his latest pre-match press conference, Rooney laughed off that response and admitted that anyone would be jealous of Ronaldo and what he has achieved during a glittering career on and off the pitch. Saha, though, thinks initial comments from Rooney were wide of the mark.

Speaking as part of a promotion for Boyle Sports, former Premier League frontman Saha said: "I don't understand. I'm a bit surprised. To target Cristiano Ronaldo and say we need to move on is wrong. Why don't we build younger players around Cristiano? Let them learn and improve around him."

Saha, who spent three seasons at United with Ronaldo and Rooney, added: "If those players cannot improve and grow, then they are not good enough. I don't agree at all and I think Cristiano has done an enormous sacrifice, but under criticism he's done well.

"The