Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo played side-by-side during the glory days of Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. Rooney has now retired from football and is now the manager of Derby County, while Ronaldo is back at United from Juventus.
Everyone has high hopes from the Portuguese, as he has finally returned to his home at Old Trafford after playing for Real Madrid and Juventus.
Asked what impact Ronaldo could have, Rooney said to talkSPORT: “An enormous one, I think he’s still one of the best players in the world.”
“I think we’ve seen in the game against Ireland that’s what he does, last couple of minutes he scores two goals, two great headers, so he can have a massive impact on this league.”
Rooney also feels that United are finally ready to challenge for the title. He said: “I think United are finally ready to go and challenge for the title, and I really feel they have to this year.”
“[Ronaldo’s] going to be a big player, I think he’ll have very big moments in the season and I’m sure he’ll score a lot of goals.”
“I follow Manchester United, I want them to do well, and I think it’s great for them that they’ve brought Cristiano back.”
“I think his mentality will rub off on the younger players especially, so I think it’s great timing.”
Rooney further added on Cristiano: “I think Cristiano will know himself it’s not going to be as simple or as straightforward as it was in Spain or in Italy for him.”
“It’s a physical league, he knows, he’s played in it, so I’m sure he’s prepared and he’s ready to go and score goals again for Manchester United.”
Cristiano’s son, Ronaldo Jr has also joined the Manchester United academy where he will play alongside Rooney’s son Kai.
