Wayne Rooney brutally tells Cristiano Ronaldo he ‘is not the player he was’ amid the Man Utd star’s struggles

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

Rooney, 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.

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The ex-Old Trafford striker spoke to reporters on Friday about his old team’s direction, including the banning of the 699 club’s goalie.

And he warned Ron that Father Time would catch up with him.

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.

“For example, he’s obviously not the player he was when he was 22 or 23. It’s a tough time 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 that he takes those chances and tries to to force his way back.” .”

Rooney, 36, challenged Ten Hag early in the season to drop his old attacking partner.

Ronaldo looked dejected as he had to sit and watch the Red Devils beat Manchester City 6-3 last weekend.

Remarkably, the club icon was left on the bench by Ten Hag despite United being 4-0 down at the break.

The Dutchman announced that he had decided against signing the veteran out of “respect” for his career.

CR7 played the full 90 minutes in Man Utd’s 3-2 win over Omonia on Thursday in the Europa League.

But he failed to make the top scorers list again – he has scored just one goal so far this season.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo is reportedly moaning about the quality of Ten Hag’s training and thinks he’s ‘stubborn’.