“He does not play for his club”

Wayne Rooney has given Cristiano Ronaldo another dig after the latter’s recent comments in his interview with Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo’s explosive interview with the TalkTV host aired in two parts last week, with the Manchester United star making a series of critical comments about the club and its manager.

He also spoke of the criticism he faced from Rooney, his former teammate at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international said: “I don’t know why he criticizes me so much… probably because he’s finished his career and I’m still playing at a high level.

“I’m not going to say that I look better than him. What is true…”

Rooney provided a classy response to comments following the interview, but he has now delivered yet another blow to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Speaking on JioCinema for their World Cup coverage, the former forward played a fast-paced ‘start, bench, drop’ game between Ronaldo, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi.

Rooney replied: “I should start Messi. I would bench Kane and leave Ronaldo out, he’s not playing for his club.

Ronaldo’s future at United now looks uncertain, with a club statement after the second part of the interview saying: “Manchester United have taken appropriate action this morning in response to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent interview with the media.

“We will not comment further until this process is completed.”

The World Cup in Qatar could provide Ronaldo with a welcome distraction from events at his club.

However, he is unlikely to appear in a United shirt again after his recent comments and he may soon have to look for his next move.