Wayne Rooney: Former MU captain confused by criticism from former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo | Football news

Wayne Rooney is baffled by the criticism he has received from his former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, Sky Sports News understand.

In a blockbuster interview with TalkTVpublished by SunRonaldo aimed directly at his former teammate Rooney after he warned the Portuguese forward last week that he was becoming an “unwanted distraction” at Old Trafford.

When asked about Rooney’s criticism, Ronaldo said: “I don’t understand, you should ask him this question. I don’t understand why he criticizes me so badly.

When asked if it was jealousy, he added: “Probably because he ended his career in his 30s. I’m still playing at a high level, I wouldn’t say I looks better than him, it’s true… It’s hard to hear such criticism and negativity from people who used to play with you, like Gary Neville for example.

“People can have their own opinions but they don’t really know what’s going on inside the training ground at Carrington or even in my life. They should not only listen to an opinion, but also have to listen. hear my point too.. Criticism is easy but if you don’t know the whole story it’s very easy.

“They’re not my friends.

“It’s easy to criticize, I don’t know if they do television, but they have to criticize to become more popular. I really don’t understand.

“I think they take advantage [my name] because they are not stupid.

“I have to get on with my life with criticism. It’s tough when you see people in the dressing room with you criticizing that way. I wouldn’t fall asleep with criticism but it’s not good. upon hearing that.”

Rooney has decided not to make any public statements on the matter.

England’s all-time top scorer consistently insists that Ronaldo is one of the two best players in the world – along with Lionel Messi.

But he also feels that the 37-year-old needs to accept that he is at the end of his career and being a player at a club the size of Manchester United means respecting the situation and not Expect to play minute by minute. game.

Sky Sports News has been told that Rooney does not feel hatred towards Ronaldo.

What did Rooney say?

Ronaldo’s comments come after Rooney said Ronaldo’s temper tantrums were unacceptable this season and would not be allowed to stand in the dressing room they shared.

Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute and plunged into the tunnel before the end of United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham in October, prompting manager Erik ten Hag to sack him one game.

When asked if Manchester United would be better with Ronaldo in the team, Rooney said talkSPORT: “No, I don’t think so. He and Messi are arguably the two best players of all time and you can go either way, it’s up to you to decide.

“But I just think what he’s done since the start of the season; that’s unacceptable for Manchester United. I’ve seen Roy Keane defend him. Roy won’t accept that. Roy absolutely. don’t accept that.” That’s the distraction Manchester United don’t need at the moment, as they’re trying to rebuild.

“For Cristiano, just keep your head down to work and be ready to play when the manager needs you. If he can do that, he will be an asset. If not, it becomes an unwanted distraction. .”

Rangnick responds to Ronaldo’s criticism

In his explosive interview, Ronaldo also criticized the appointment of former United interim coach Ralf Rangnick.

He said: “If you’re not even a coach, how can you be the boss of Manchester United? I’ve never even heard of him.”

Rangnick, who took over at Old Trafford last November after the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is now the manager of the Austrian national team.

When asked at a press conference in Austria about Ronaldo’s comments, the 64-year-old replied: “I am the head coach of the Austrian national team, it is not my responsibility to judge that. That is the job of Manchester United and the sports journalists there. “

Man Utd players disappointed by Ronaldo’s behavior

Manchester United players are disappointed with Ronaldo’s behaviour, but they want to focus on football and not get involved in off-field matters.

The Portugal captain has criticized the club and coach Erik ten Hag, whom the player says he “disrespects”.

On Monday night, more footage from the interview was released, with Ronaldo claims members of United’s hierarchy cast doubt on him when he said he couldn’t attend pre-season because his daughter fell ill in hospital.

Ronaldo has now joined Portugal’s squad ahead of the World Cup and was received coldly by United team-mate Bruno Fernandes after the interview.

Meanwhile, United’s lawyers will continue to study the comments Ronaldo made and when they were made and all options will be considered.

The striker said he feels “betrayed” by Manchester United for trying to force him out of the club, with Ronaldo claiming United have “made no progress” since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 .

United responded to the interview on Monday with the following statement: “Manchester United acknowledges media coverage of Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview.

“The club will review its response once the full facts have been established.

“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing to maintain the momentum, trust and solidarity built among the players, coaches, staff and fans.”

Senior figures at the club are holding talks on how to deal with players.

The club only learned of the interview as they were due to fly back from London on Sunday night after a 2-1 win over Fulham and they didn’t understand why he said what he said.

Ronaldo was informed on Thursday that he would not be in the starting line-up against Fulham but he will be in the squad. He told the club that he was sick.