Former England and Man Utd captain Wayne Rooney believes Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United has not worked out and suggested his former club concentrate on “young and hungry” players in the future.
The two played together and became very successful when Ronaldo started playing for the Red Devils, winning three Premier League and Champions League titles in one team.
However, although the 37-year-old has scored 18 goals in 32 games since returning to Old Trafford, United have a season to remember.
The team is out of all competitions and sits in seventh place in the Premier League after a 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Saturday.
Speaking as a guest of Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Rooney was asked if he agreed with another commentator Jamie Carragher that Ronaldo’s signing was a mistake.
When asked, ‘Did it work?’, Rooney replied: “You have to say no, for now.
“He scored goals, important goals in the Champions League at the start of the season.
“He scored a hat-trick against Tottenham, but I think if you look at the future of the club, you have to go with the hungry young players to promote Manchester United in the next two or three years.
“Obviously Cristiano is progressing, he’s not really the player he was when he was in his 20s, and that’s what happened, football.
“He’s a goal scorer, but in his remaining game, I think they need more. I think they need younger, less hungry players.”
The Derby County manager was also questioned by Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, who has been widely questioned about his form this season.
“I love Harry, I know Harry personally,” Rooney said. “He has not been in good form this season, as most players are not.
“Then look at England – you will play in England and you look like a world-class player.
“A lot of it is confidence, I think the players need to feel like winning again, feel like they always win to gain confidence and if they do, I think Harry Maguire is a big part of you.”
