Cristiano Ronaldo ‘rolled his eyes’ whenever Man Utd team-mate spoke in the dressing room
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly rolled his eyes in the dressing room when one specific star team-mate spoke.
Ronaldo, 39, made an emotional return to United in 2021, 12 years after the end of a first stint that saw him winning three Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and the 2004 FA Cup.
However, CR7’s second spell at Old Trafford didn’t live up to expectation and came to a dramatic end in 2022 after a bombshell interview in which he lambasted the club from top to bottom.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s scintillating 19-year career in Europe then came to an end as he moved to Saudi Arabia where he joined Al-Nassr, while the Red Devils’ struggles have since persisted.
According to The Telegraph, the star forward wasn’t shy in expressing his displeasure with the state in which he found the club upon his return.
And the Portugal captain didn’t seem too excited to have Harry Maguire as his captain.
That is why Ronaldo apparently rolled his eyes when Maguire, 31, gave a team talk.
The England international ended up losing the armband during former United manager Erik ten Hag’s tenure following a series of dismal performances.
However, the centre-back has turned things around under new boss Ruben Amorim.
Maguire has started the last five Premier League games and convinced the Manchester giants to trigger a one-year extension in his contract.
Best new sign-up offers
SunSport exclusives
- William Hill: Claim your £60 in free bets – CLAIM HERE*
- Betfred: Get £50 in free football bets – CLAIM HERE*
- BetMGM: Get £40 in free bets to spend on football – CLAIM HERE*
- talkSPORT BET: £30 in free bets are up for grabs – CLAIM HERE*
- Tote: Grab your £40 welcome bonus – CLAIM HERE*
Already have these accounts? Don’t worry, we’ve got loads more terrific deals below!
Check out the latest free bets to use on football, horse racing, and lots more.
The defender was also a focal point in United‘s impressive performance against rivals Liverpool two weeks ago.
In fact, Maguire almost scored the winner that would have seen his team beating the Prem leaders 3-2 at Anfield.
The same source claims that the ex-Leicester star’s comeback has been so impressive that now “no one is rolling their eyes in that dressing room” when he speaks as Ronaldo “was known to do”.
Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as Maguire and Co dig deep to win after Dalot's moment of madness
MANCHESTER UNITED produced a heroic effort to squeeze past Arsenal and into the FA Cup’s fourth round on penalties.
The Red Devils were forced to dig deep at the Emirates following Diogo Dalot’s 61st minute red card.
On a freezing cold afternoon in North London, SunSport’s Kealan Hughes rates and slates each United performer…
ALTAY BAYINDIR – 8
Poor punch up in the air which allowed the ball to fall nicely for Gabriel to finish.
Redeemed himself with a brilliant penalty save to keep the score level, before superbly denying Declan Rice twice.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 7
Was assured on and off the ball if unspectacular. Got his body on the line as the Gunners pushed for a winner.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 8
Solid in defence and kept the backline well organised. Produced the best tackle of the match on the goalline to deny Leandro Trossard a certain goal.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 8
Commanding in the air and made several key blocks but gave away the penalty which Arsenal missed to go in front.
Got away with an earlier error as he failed to clear – the ball landed at Kai Havertz’s feet but he somehow skewed wide with his effort.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Had to be on high alert to deal with the movement of Arsenal forwards but it was a task he managed well.
DIOGO DALOT – 3
Booked for a mistimed lunge on Lewis-Skelly. He followed that up with another silly, late foul on Merino with the ball about to go out of play for his second yellow. Stupid red card.
MANUEL UGARTE – 7
A firefighter all across the pitch for his side, although spent most of the match in his own half given Arsenal’s dominance.
Was booked for one foul too many just before the hour mark and was lucky to escape a red card as he went head-to-head with Havertz after the penalty incident.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 6
Lively in the middle and kept a close eye on Jorginho. Looked sharp on the ball and showed some clever touches.
Should have done better to head clear before Gabriel’s equaliser.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7
Always an outlet on the counter which was much needed for the Red Devils.
Made the most of a Gabriel error to burst in on goal and pass across to Fernandes to score.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Was booked for throwing a trademark tantrum after claiming he was fouled on the edge of the box when lining up a shot.
Showed his class with a brilliant first-time finish which he bent around a defender into the far corner.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 3
Failed to provide the focal point that United badly needed, which meant almost every pass forward was dealt with by the Arsenal centre-halves. Was fortunate there was no VAR to take a look at his apparent elbow on William Saliba, which left the Arsenal star bloodied.
SUBSTITUTES
Amad (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6
Lively on the counter too but just lacking a bit of quality – though was outnumbered every time he got the ball.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 80mins) – 6
Some very clever touches when he came on and provided a presence up front at a time United badly needed it.
Toby Collyer (for Mainoo, 80mins) – 5
Showed plenty of energy but was missing quality in some areas.
Tyrell Malacia (for Ugarte, extra-time) – 6
Stuck to his task well.
Leno Yoro (for Maguire, 104) – 6
Did his job well during the closing stages of the match. Converted his penalty in the shoot-out with aplomb.