Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly ‘baffled’ by his Manchester United team-mates’ work ethic and has urged them to have more pride in their performances.
Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in 22 games for United since rejoining from Juventus in the summer.
However, the Red Devils have struggled for results since his return to Old Trafford, with the club currently seventh in the Premier League – six points off the top four.
In an explosive interview released on Thursday, Ronaldo challenged his team-mates to take personal responsibility for improving results.
“I say we have a long way to improve because, for me, the most important thing is the mentality. To look at yourself and say, ‘I can do better’,” Ronaldo told Sky Sports.
“For you to be professional, help the team, the right mentality, self-taught and positive. All these details depend on you, not the coaches, the fans or the press.
“If you are proud of yourself and you have dignity, you have to do it much more.”
Ronaldo is known for his meticulous approach to fitness is said to stay behind after training for extra sessions in the gym.
The Daily Mail claim the 36-year-old is 'baffled' that more of his team-mates do not do the same.
Ronaldo has also hinted that United’s younger players are not taking his advice when it is offered.
“If I give you advice, even if you are younger than me, if you don’t implant that during your daily life, it will be difficult,” he added.
“I will be the No 1 to help. But if you don’t want my help, do your job, look for yourself, do your best to help the team.
“I can speak all day with that person but if it’s not coming from inside of you, it’s impossible.
“When I was 18, 19, 20, some older players spoke with me, but I put that as, ‘Cristiano, you have to improve’.”
The Daily Mail also claim there has been at least one incident where Ronaldo has complained privately that he is one of the only United players who does extra work before and after training.
United next face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday and Ronaldo has said the club must aim to finish at least third this season.
“Manchester United should win the league or be second or third. I don’t see any other position for Manchester United,” Ronaldo told Sky Sports.
“In my heart, I don’t accept that our mentality be less than being in the top three in the Premier League, in my opinion.
“I think to build up good things, sometimes you have to destroy a few things. So why not – new year, new life and I hope that Manchester (United) can be the level that the fans want. They deserve that.
“We are capable of changing things now. I know the way but I’m not going to mention it here because I don’t think it’s ethical on my part to say that.
“What I can say is we can do better – all of us. Manchester (United) belongs to important things, so we have to change that.
“I don’t want to be here to be in sixth place, or seventh place, or fifth place. I’m here to try to win, to compete.”
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Football, Premier League
Rory O'Callaghan