“Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the greatest ever” – Wayne Rooney

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has lauded Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as two of the greatest players ever in the history of football.

Ronaldo resigned for Man United last season and would go on to finish as their top goal scorer with 24 goals in all competitions, including 18 goals in 30 Premier League matches.

The Portuguese forward, who has five Ballon d’Or awards to his name, is struggling to replicate his last season form under Erik ten Hag and that has resulted in him losing his starting place in the team.

While his arch-rival, Lionel Messi, who has seven Ballon d’Or awards, has been thriving in the Ligue 1 and as well as in the Champions League, as he was on the scoreboard against Benfica in midweek.

However, irrespective of their current form, Wayne Rooney still believes Ronaldo and Messi remain two of the greatest players ever in football history.

“Cristiano [Ronaldo]… him and [Lionel] Messi are two of the greatest players to ever play the game, but ultimately time catches up with us all. He’s obviously not the player he was when he was 22 or 23, for instance. It’s a tough one for him,” Rooney told Reuters. 

Wayne Rooney: "Cristiano… him and Messi are two of the greatest players to ever play the game, but ultimately time catches up with us all. He's obviously not the player he was when he was 22 or 23, for instance. It's a tough one for him." [@Reuters]

— utdreport (@utdreport) October 8, 2022

Ronaldo hasn’t been in his best form this season as he has scored only one goal, which came from penalty spot against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League before the international break.

The 37-year-old missed a string of chances last time out against Omonia and needed the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford to come off the bench and rescue Manchester United to a 3-2 win.

Wayne Rooney believes the Portugal international can still get back to his goal scoring form but he has to be patient with himself.

“Knowing him [Ronaldo], it’ll be very difficult for him to sit on the bench… I’m sure if he stays patient, his chance will come and, again, it’s then obviously him taking those chances and trying to force his way back in,” Rooney added.