Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has stated that if the club wants to construct a successful team for the future under new manager Erik ten Hag, Cristiano Ronaldo must be allowed to leave.
Ronaldo, 37, who re-signed for United from Juventus last season, is said to desire to leave Old Trafford following the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
“Cristiano Ronaldo should be released by Manchester United, in my opinion. Ronaldo is not unable to play for a Ten Hag squad. He is capable of playing for any team “Rooney, who now manages Major League Soccer club DC United, stated in a Times essay.
“Ronny will always score goals for you. But, in my opinion, United aren’t ready to contend for the title right now, therefore the goal must be to construct a club capable of winning the league in the next three to four years, and you must plan for that.”
Ronaldo was named to the bench for United’s Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
He scored 24 goals in all competitions last season, emerging as one of United’s few bright spots in an otherwise forgettable season in which they finished sixth.
This week, Ten Hag stated that he is pleased to have a “great striker” like Ronaldo in the group and looks forward to working with him.
Rooney, United’s all-time greatest scorer, said that he hoped Ten Hag could build a distinct playing style at his previous club.
“I couldn’t figure out what they were attempting to achieve in terms of game plan or see any patterns of play last season,” Rooney said.
“I think one of the major things you’ll see from Ten Hag is him really wanting to stamp his playing identity.”
Source:
courtesy of ESPN
by Reuters