Man Utd news LIVE: Erik ten Hag opens up on Cristiano Ronaldo after Everton win, eyeing CR7 from Beckham’s Inter EXCLUSIVE

Ron “not the player he was,” says Rooney

Wayne Rooney has slammed his former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo by saying he is “not the player he was”.

The now boss of MLS side DC United urged the 37-year-old Portuguese superstar to be patient as he awaits his chance under Erik ten Hag.

Rooney said: “The manager has obviously taken a different path in terms of his style of play and his success.

“Cristiano… he and Lionel Messi are two of the greatest players to have ever played this game but ultimately time catches up with us all.

“He’s obviously not the player he was when he was 22 or 23, for example. It’s a tough nut to crack for him.

“Knowing him, it will 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 obvious he’s taking those chances and trying to force his way back.”