Cristiano Ronaldo's well-documented criticism of Manchester United's young players was not aimed at Jadon Sancho - at least that's what the former Dortmund star's latest comments suggest.
The Portugal international has continually singled out United's younger generation during the club's disappointing campaign.
Ronaldo reckons there are several players who are not learning from the experienced members of the squad, refusing to take their advice on board and, instead, interpreting their words as criticism.
Ronaldo's latest outburst arrived during the winter break with a controversial interview with Sky Sports as he hit out at the Red Devils' young core.
But it doesn't appear that Sancho is in his crosshairs as the 73million summer signing insists he feels "blessed" sharing a dressing room with Ronaldo and is "learning from the best."
He told United's official website: "I'm here with a lot of great players and I’m learning from the best.
"You've got Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Raphael Varane… all these guys have won major trophies and just being in the changing room with them gives you a blessed feeling.
"I'm definitely learning from them, on and off the pitch, especially in terms of their recovery and how they make themselves better. I'm taking in all the information I can and trying to put it into my game."
Ronaldo previously pleaded with United's inexperienced players to learn from the senior stars so that they can finish the season on a high.
"The mature players, the older players, can always help the younger players," Ronaldo told Sky Sports.
"But I can give you an example 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 can remember when I was 18, 19, 20, some older players spoke to 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 if you be a little bit harder they do the opposite. You have to find the right balance to speak with them.
"But in my opinion, the main point is it should come from inside you. You should be proud of yourself and look in the mirror and say 'Listen, I give everything' and I think all of us should do that because new year, we change the page and we have many things to win.
"We have to believe in that, if not, it will be a nightmare."
