Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney says his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo is not the player he was a few years ago.
In a brutal assessment of Ronaldo’s situation, Rooney didn’t hold back and told it like it is without holding back.
United’s record goalscorer told reporters via The DailyMail: “Obviously the manager has gone a different way in terms of how he is playing and he has been successful.”
“He and (Lionel) Messi are two of the best players who have ever played, but in the end time catches up with us all. Obviously he’s not the player he was when he was 22 or 23, for example.”
“It’s hard for him.”
Rooney urged Ronaldo, with whom he enjoyed such success when the pair formed the wing of United’s attack between 2004 and 2009, to be patient.
He admitted that knowing the 37-year-old he probably wouldn’t accept his situation, but he was sure an opportunity would present itself.
While Rooney insists there may still be a chance Ronaldo could return to the team and become Erik ten Hag’s main striker, such a situation seems far from reality.
Ten Hag has clearly shown a preference for high-energy pressing forwards who suit the way he plays, something Rooney alluded to in his comments.
With the return of a reinvigorated Anthony Martial from injury, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s chances are likely to become more limited.
Even when given the opportunity, as he did in the Europa League against Omonia, Ronaldo has failed to claim a substantial guaranteed place for a starting spot, with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Martial outperforming him.
This, coupled with reports of disagreements between player and manager, as well as indications that a January exit is on the cards, does not reflect positively on Ronaldo’s chances.
It may be better for him to leave and let the team thrive in his absence. 
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