sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Wayne Rooney believes Cristiano Ronaldo 'got what he wanted' by leaving Manchester United

Home> Football

Published 16:36 30 Mar 2023 GMT+1

Wayne Rooney believes Cristiano Ronaldo 'got what he wanted' by leaving Manchester United

Wayne Rooney has opened up about Cristiano Ronaldo's exit from Man Utd in a new interview.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Wayne Rooney has given his two cents on Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Manchester United, saying he "got what we wanted" after that interview with Piers Morgan.

Back in November, Ronaldo and United reached an agreement to terminate his contract.

The decision came shortly after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner delivered some 'home truths' to TalkTV host Morgan in a bombshell interview.

During the lengthy chat, Ronaldo accused manager Erik ten Hag of a lack of respect before naming just three Manchester United players as "top professionals".

Advert

He also made a bold statement about former teammate Wayne Rooney, who claimed Ronaldo's behaviour has been "not acceptable" at times last year.

Ronaldo said: "I don’t know why he [Rooney] criticises me so badly... probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at high level. I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true."

Four months on and DC United manager Rooney has addressed his former teammates departure with some comments of his own.

Speaking to CNN, he said: "I suppose he got what he wanted.

"For Manchester United, it was important to move on as quick as possible from that and really refocus on the group of players who were there and wanted to be there.

"And I think that’s where Ten Hag has done a really good job in refocusing the players and getting them in a position where they are obviously comfortably in the top four and also winning the cup."

Rooney was then asked if Ronaldo's comments to Morgan in the TV interview would damage his reputation at Old Trafford.

"No, I think what he’s done for Manchester United is great," he continued.

"And he’s won Premier League titles, won the Champions League, scored many goals. So I think certainly for the fans and certainly for the players, his former teammates who played with him from my time especially, we’ll never forget what he did for Manchester United. Because, in my eyes, he’ll always be a club legend and it’s a shame the way it ended of course this time around.

"But I don’t think that takes anything away from his legacy at the club."

This, of course, isn't the first time Rooney has mentioned Ronaldo's controversial departure from United. Speaking to talkSPORT in November, Rooney praised Erik ten Hag for bringing an identity back to the club.

He said: "I think Ten Hag has done really well, I think he's come in and stamped his authority on the team.

"I think for the first time in two or three years, I'm starting to see an identity with Manchester United which I haven't seen for the last two or three years.

"He showed his strength and character in how he dealt with Cristiano at times with some of the stuff he's been up to, so I really think he's the right man for the job.

"I think it will take time, but a real step in the right direction will be to finish inside the top four and get Champions League football again."

Image credit: Alamy
Image credit: Alamy

Thoughts on Rooney's comments about the Ronaldo situation? Let us know.

Featured Image Credit: BT Sport/Alamy

Topics: Wayne Rooney, Manchester United, Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Arabia

Jack Kenmare
Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is the Senior Journalist for SPORTbible, one of the world’s biggest social publishers. He specialises in long-form feature writing and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Football Manager wonderkids from 2005 to the present day. He has a BA (Hons) in Journalism and News Practice.

X

@jackkenmare_

Recommended reads

Man Utd's 15 transfer targets to fill four key positions as at least six prepare to leaveGetty ImagesDennis Taylor interview: Why snooker legend is playing in brand-new event... and how he saved someone's lifeGettyRanking the top 10 best golfers of all time as Nicklaus v Woods GOAT debate settledGetty ImagesDavid Munyua and Peter Wachiuri interview: 'We wish for major PDC players to come and visit Kenya'Getty / Instagram/@wachiuridarts

Advert

Choose your content:

5 mins ago
26 mins ago
3 hours ago
  • FootyHeadlines.com
    5 mins ago

    Real Madrid home kit leaks featuring a club first and several other new details

    The leaked design suggests a controversial change to the club's famous white kit.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    26 mins ago

    'What?' - Man Utd shut down bizarre claim Matheus Cunha won't play again this season

    Cunha has also responded to reports that he will be rested at the request of the Brazilian Football Confederation.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    3 hours ago

    ‘Official announcement’ - Man Utd manager search takes fresh twist with ‘strong candidate’ now available

    Michael Carrick has secured Champions League qualification, but Manchester United haven’t made their final decision yet.

    Football
  • Getty Images
    3 hours ago

    Bayern fly 16-year-old wonderkid to Munich to win race for brother of world superstar

    All eyes are on the Allianz Arena this week, but one Champions League visitor is in Munich to talk about the future

    Football
  • Cristiano Ronaldo Hits Back at Wayne Rooney in Heated Piers Morgan Clip
  • Wayne Rooney Revealed True Feelings on Cristiano Ronaldo Before Al Nassr Boycott
  • Wayne Rooney Speaks Out on 'Hating' Cristiano Ronaldo as Lionel Messi Claim Made
  • Wayne Rooney admits he was 'devastated' by Man Utd transfer and claims he 'wanted to stay' at Old Trafford