Wayne Rooney tells Cristiano Ronaldo that he’s ‘not the player he was’

Wayne Rooney has made the bold claim that his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo is 'not the player he was' amid his struggles this season.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has only scored once this season and struggled in his last outing in what was a rare start for United, as the Red Devils beat Omonia F.C 3-2 in the Europa League.

There’s even claims that he has become frustrated under the new manager Erik Ten Hag, with the Portuguese star losing his patience with the former Ajax boss.

No longer a guaranteed starter under Ten Hag, it seems Ronaldo has finally begun to wind down at the back end of his incredibly successful career.

England and United’s all-time leading goal scorer Rooney also shares that opinion as he spoke out the 37-year-old forward and warned that time does indeed catch up with his all.

Ronaldo instead remained at United for the second year of his deal (Image: Alamy)

"The manager's obviously gone a different way in terms of how they're playing and been successful," he said.

"Cristiano... him and Lionel Messi are two of the greatest players to ever play the game, but ultimately time catches up with us all. 

"He's obviously not the player he was when he was 22 or 23, for instance. It's a tough one for him.

"Knowing him, it'll be very difficult for him to sit on the bench. I'm sure if he stays patient, his chance will come and, again, it's then obviously him taking those chances and trying to force his way back in."

Rumours are circulating around a potential move away for Ronaldo in January, with Galatasaray ready to go 'all out' for the signing.

His dream return to United yielded 18 goals in the league last year, as well as six goals in seven Champions League games but this season has been a far cry from that.

With only one Premier League start this season, it's unlikely he is going to force his way into the side to change the situation.