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The majority of Manchester United players were not best pleased after hearing Cristiano Ronaldo criticise the team's younger players in a recent interview.
Despite scoring 14 goals in all competitions, Ronaldo's attitude and body language has been questioned ever since he returned to United in the summer.
And during a chat with Sky Sports, Ronaldo pulled no punches and more or less called out members of the group.
"If I give you advice, even if you are younger than me, but if that's not in your plan during your daily life then it will be difficult. "You can speak all day with that person, but if it's not coming from inside of you then it is impossible.
"I remember when I was 18, 19, 20, some older players spoke with me, but I put that as: 'Cristiano, you have to improve — they know more than you, they are more experienced than you, they passed through many bad moments.'
"But the other people do not accept that if you criticise them - I don't say this generation of our players but in general, I have kids, I know.
"Sometimes when you're a little bit harder, they do the opposite, so you have to find the right balance to speak with them."
Some felt Ronaldo's words, while a little brutal, were fine as he himself was once in the same position as a young player at United.
However, others, such as BBC pundit Garth Crooks, branded the 36-year-old a 'prima donna'.
According to The Athletic, Ronaldo's comments were not well-received by most - though one senior player felt there was nothing wrong with what he said.
But the detailed report states that many young players feel Ronaldo is not too approachable and would feel more confident speaking to Edinson Cavani despite his English being far from perfect.
Last month, after the drab 1-1 draw with Newcastle former United skipper Gary Neville was critical of both Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes for their visible outbursts but praised Cavani.
"I think he stands up to them and helps the younger players," Neville said on Sky Sports.
"I think he needs to be on the pitch because they need to get rid of that whinging attitude."
After missing the two games against Aston Villa, Ronaldo was substituted by Ralf Rangnick in the 2-0 win over Brentford and was utterly furious with the decision.
Rangnick was then seen in the ear of Ronaldo on the touchline, seemingly explaining why he took him off.
“He said, 'Why me, why did you take me off?' I said I had to take the decision for the team, for the club,” the German commented, as per Laurie Whitwell.
“Maybe in a few years when he is a coach he will understand.”
Featured Image Credit: Image: PATopics: Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani
Josh Lawless