Rooney urges Ronaldo to be patient at Man United

Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to be patient and make the most of the opportunities that come his way as the Portugal international looks to return to the Premier League club’s first team.

Ronaldo, in his second spell at United, has started just one league game this season and has been linked with a move away during the summer transfer window, although manager Erik ten Hoag says he is still in his plans for the season.

Rooney, who played alongside Ronaldo at United between 2004-2009, said the 37-year-old’s lack of game time was hard to swallow.

“The manager is clearly on a different path in terms of how they play and have success,” Rooney, who now manages Major League Soccer side D.C. United, told reporters on Friday.

‘He’s not a player’: Rooney

“Cristiano… he and (Lionel) Messi are two of the greatest players to have played the game, but ultimately time has caught up with us all. He’s obviously not a 22- or 23-year-old player, for example. It’s tough for him.

“Knowing him, it’s going to be tough for him to sit on the bench … I’m sure if he’s patient, he’ll get an opportunity and again, he’s trying to take those opportunities and force his way back in.”

United, sixth in the standings with 12 points from seven games, face Everton in Sunday’s league clash.