Manchester United great Wayne Rooney has said he "would love to see" Cristiano Ronaldo win the World Cup just days after the five-time Ballon d'Or win hit out at his former teammate.
Ronaldo has unleashed a scathing critique of almost every aspect of his current side. In a Piers Morgan Uncensored interview that is set to air on Wednesday and Thursday night, the former Real Madrid man has made wild accusations that threaten to tarnish his legacy at Old Trafford.
The 37-year-old has revealed that he has "no respect" for Erik ten Hag, while also claiming the facilities at the club are not up to scratch. Ronaldo also hit out at some of his former teammates, as he took aim at Rooney for what he saw as the current MLS coach being jealous of the Portugal international.
ALSO READ: Manchester United think Cristiano Ronaldo criticism of two issues is unfair
Ronaldo said: "To listen as ex-colleagues or teammates criticise you, when they only see one point of view. It's easy to criticise, I don't know if you have a job in television that they must criticise to be more famous. I really don't understand it.
"It's hard when you see people who was in the dressing room with you criticising that way. I think they take advantage of that because they are not stupid. I'm the number one followed guy in the world. It's not by coincidence.
"Me too [surprised about this]. Piers, I don't understand. You should ask the questions to him [Rooney]. I don't know. I don't know why he criticised me so badly. Probably [jealously]. Probably - because he finished his career in his 30s. I'm still playing at a high level; I'm not going to say that I'm looking better than him, which is true."
Fans have since rallied around their team, with the majority of United supporters backing their manager, as they remind Ronaldo that nobody is bigger than the club.
Rooney has now sent his own message to Ronaldo following the release of his criticism, but it was not the response that many had expected the former England international to give. The former England international opened up about Ronaldo's chances of lifting the World Cup with Portugal in Qatar - saying that he hopes to see te United No. 7 or Lionel Messi lift the famous trophy.
Speaking to the Times of India, Rooney said: "I’m sure he’s used to dealing with expectations. The idea of leaving a legacy is surely going through his mind. I would love to see either Messi or Ronaldo win the World Cup. It would be a fitting end to their incredible careers."
READ NEXT:
