Manchester, Oct. 8 (BNA) Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to be patient and make the most of the opportunities that come his way as the Portuguese international looks to return to the club’s first team in the Premier League.
Ronaldo, in his second spell with United, has started just one league game this season and has been linked with a move away during the summer transfer window, although coach Erik ten Hag said he is still within his plans for this season.
Rooney, who played for Ronaldo at United between 2004-2009, said the 37-year-old would find it difficult to absorb the lack of playing time.
“Obviously the coach went in a different way in terms of the way he plays and he’s been successful,” Rooney, who now manages Major League Soccer team DC United, told reporters on Friday.
“Cristiano… he and (Lionel) Messi are two of the greatest players who have ever played in this game, but in the end time catches up with us all. He is clearly not the player he was when he was 22 or 23, for example. tough for him.
“Knowing him, it would be very difficult for him to sit on the bench… I am sure that if he remains patient, his chance will come, and again, he is clearly taking these chances and trying to force his way back in.”
United, who are sixth in the standings with 12 points from seven matches, face Everton in a league clash on Sunday.
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