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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Jose Mourinho's blunt comments leave Cristiano Ronaldo with egg on his face after outburst

Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy at Manchester United and one of his biggest problems is younger players failing to take his advice.

But it seems Ronaldo has previously struggled to take his own good advice, according to Jose Mourinho.

United have struggled this season under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and now Ralf Rangnick.

Countless reports from inside the dressing room claim that players are not happy and there is frustration that results continue to go against the Red Devils in all competitions.

One of Rangnick's biggest problems at United is trying to unify a fractured squad.

Ronaldo attempted to explain one of the reasons for the fracture in a recent interview with Sky Sports - which didn't exactly go down well with everyone at the club.

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Cristiano Ronaldo isn't happy at Man United (AFP via Getty Images)

Pointing out that younger players sometimes refuse to take his words of wisdom and instead interpret his comments as criticism, he told Sky Sports: "The mature players, the older players, can always help the younger players.

"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."

Ronaldo's comments make sense.

The Portugal international has won countless trophies, not to mention a staggering five Ballon d'Or awards, and would be the ultimate player for any young professional to learn from.

But according to Mourinho, Ronaldo has also in the past struggled to take advice from those above him.

And, interestingly, interpreted such comments as criticism.

Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo haven't always seen eye to eye (AFP/Getty Images)

Mourinho's relationship with Ronaldo was at an all-time low when he finally left his post as Real Madrid boss.

He opted to speak out about Ronaldo on Spanish TV shortly after his exit and explained in minor detail why he was clashing with the Manchester United legend.

"I had only one problem with him, very simple, very basic, which was when a coach criticises a player from a tactical viewpoint trying to improve what, in my view, could have been improved," explained Mourinho.

"At that moment, he didn't take it very well because maybe he thinks he knows everything and the coach cannot help him develop further."

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