MAN UNITED legend Roy Keane has expressed support for Cristiano Ronaldo after a week that saw the Portuguese star at the centre of a major controversy at Old Trafford.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag confirmed earlier in the week that the 37-year-old refused to come on as a substitute during his side’s 2-0 midweek win over Tottenham.
Advertisement
That incident resulted in Ronaldo being dropped from the squad for today’s clash with Chelsea and led to doubts as to whether he still has a future at the club.
Speaking on the matter on Sky Sports, Keane said: “I try to see it from a player’s point of view. He’s obviously had enough, he’s lost the head and I think it’s been brewing for the last few weeks with Ronaldo.
“But I will still try to defend him. He is a human being. He’s got flaws. He feels frustrated that he’s probably not been getting opportunities. And he’s had enough.
“He’s walked down the tunnel. I think players have done a lot worse things at Man United. It happens. It’s human nature.
“He has to take his punishment. Is there a way back for him? I’m not sure.
“But his behaviour over the past week and when he refused to go on — I’d be more worried if Ronaldo was sitting on the bench every week laughing his head off and not caring. I think the guy cares.
“This game is full of bluffers and he’s certainly not one of them. He cares about the club, he wants to play, needs to play, a world-class player.
“People are saying he’s not the player he was 10 years ago — of course, he’s not. But he was leading goalscorer for Man United last year.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
10 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
'He's a human being' - Roy Keane defends under-fire Cristiano Ronaldo
MAN UNITED legend Roy Keane has expressed support for Cristiano Ronaldo after a week that saw the Portuguese star at the centre of a major controversy at Old Trafford.
Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag confirmed earlier in the week that the 37-year-old refused to come on as a substitute during his side’s 2-0 midweek win over Tottenham.
That incident resulted in Ronaldo being dropped from the squad for today’s clash with Chelsea and led to doubts as to whether he still has a future at the club.
Speaking on the matter on Sky Sports, Keane said: “I try to see it from a player’s point of view. He’s obviously had enough, he’s lost the head and I think it’s been brewing for the last few weeks with Ronaldo.
“But I will still try to defend him. He is a human being. He’s got flaws. He feels frustrated that he’s probably not been getting opportunities. And he’s had enough.
“He’s walked down the tunnel. I think players have done a lot worse things at Man United. It happens. It’s human nature.
“He has to take his punishment. Is there a way back for him? I’m not sure.
“But his behaviour over the past week and when he refused to go on — I’d be more worried if Ronaldo was sitting on the bench every week laughing his head off and not caring. I think the guy cares.
“This game is full of bluffers and he’s certainly not one of them. He cares about the club, he wants to play, needs to play, a world-class player.
“People are saying he’s not the player he was 10 years ago — of course, he’s not. But he was leading goalscorer for Man United last year.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Cristiano Ronaldo EPL Premier League Roy Keane Support Manchester United