Cristiano Ronaldo aims dig at former Man Utd team-mate Wayne Rooney after criticism

Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at Wayne Rooney after his former team-mate criticised his behaviour at Manchester United this season. 

Ronaldo has fallen out of favour under Erik Ten Hag this term, starting just four league games, and showed his frustration last month by refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham and then walking down the tunnel before the final whistle.

Rooney recently claimed Ronaldo’s actions have been ‘unacceptable’ at times, and has accused him of being an unwelcome ‘distraction’ for the club. Ronaldo has finally reacted to Rooney’s comments, and has hinted that the ex-England captain may be jealous of him.

Wayne Rooney (right) recently criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for his behaviour at Man United

‘I don’t know why he criticises me so badly… probably because he finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level,’ Ronaldo said in an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan, in an interview with Talk TV.

‘I’m not going to say that I’m looking better than him. Which is true…’

Rooney’s recent criticism is not the first time he has questioned Ronaldo’s return to United.

He also urged the Red Devils to sell the Portuguese star in the summer after he told the club he wanted to leave, but Ronaldo failed to get a move away in the end.

Rooney and Ronaldo have a lengthy history, dating back to 2004 when Rooney arrived at Old Trafford a year after Ronaldo had moved to the English giants.

The pair were involved in an infamous incident at the 2006 World Cup when Rooney was sent off for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho.

Ronaldo and Rooney starred for United in the 2000s, but no longer seem to be on good terms

As Rooney left the pitch, Ronaldo was caught winking on camera, appearing to confirm that he’d played a role in ensuring the England striker was given his marching orders.

Upon returning to United the following season, the duo put their differences aside and struck up a deadly partnership, leading the club to three consecutive league titles, plus the Champions League in 2008.

However, it seems their relationship has now hit a new low, with Ronaldo not taking too kindly to Rooney questioning his behaviour.

Rooney is not the only ex-team-mate that Ronaldo seems to have fallen out with either.

Gary Neville has called for Ronaldo and United to part ways for a second time in the January transfer window after stating the team are better without him in it.

Ronaldo reacted to that by snubbing Neville ahead of United’s home match with West Ham at the end of last month.