Wayne Rooney standing up for Cristiano Ronaldo after disgusting challenge shows how close they used to be

Wayne Rooney defending Cristiano Ronaldo during their time together at Manchester United makes for sad viewing.

Ronaldo took aim at his former teammate during his box-office interview with Piers Morgan, set to air on Wednesday and Thursday.

The duo won three Premier League titles and the Champions League during their five-year spell as teammates at Old Trafford between 2004 and 2009.

Rooney has previously criticised Ronaldo for his behaviour this season. Ronaldo hit back with: "I don't understand, you should ask this question to him. I don't know why he criticised me so bad."

When asked if he feels Rooney is jealous of him, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner replied: "Probably, because he finished his career in his 30s. I'm still playing at a high level, I'm not going to say that I'm looking better than him, which is true."

It's hard to believe these two men would once go to war for one another, as Rooney did in an FA Cup quarter-final replay back in 2007.

Ronaldo had given United the lead from the penalty spot in rather controversial circumstances. Middlesbrough's players believe he went down too easily to win the spot kick in the first place.

Deep into injury time, the Portugal international danced down the wing in trademark fashion, much to the frustrations of James Morrison. The midfielder chose to dive in on Ronaldo with his studs showing, who went down in a heap.

Who was one of the first United players on the scene? You guessed it, Rooney. He immediately charged over to Morrison to have a word.

What followed was a scuffle involving Rooney and four other Middlesbrough players, who attempted to hold him back.

United defenders Gabriel Heinze, Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea attempted to diffuse the situation by getting Rooney away from the melee.

The clip has gone viral on social media, with many claiming Ronaldo has now 'backstabbed' his former friend.

One person commented: "He did everything to defend his teammate."

Another said: "Young Rooney was always ready for a war."

A third tweeted: "Rooney's selfless attitude is why I loved him so much."

While someone put: "Rooney deserves more respect than he's been shown recently."

Rooney will not publicly comment on Ronaldo’s scathing callout, but Sky Sports reports that he is ‘bemused’ by the outburst.