‘They don’t suffer – and they don’t CARE’: Cristiano Ronaldo says Man United youngsters are ‘not the same’ as his generation… and claims only Dalot, Martinez and Casemiro are ‘very professional’
Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed the attitude and professionalism of Manchester United‘s young stars.
In his explosive Talk TV interview, which took in several topics – including his thoughts on former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the devastating loss of his baby boy Angel and how close he came to joining Manchester City in 2021, the Portugal forward complained that young players have it too easy and don’t listen to his advice.
And he could only single out Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro for praise from the current squad.
Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed the attitude and professionalism of Man United ‘s young stars
The Portuguese superstar says young footballers are ‘not the same’ as his generation
Ronaldo said: ‘I don’t think that they don’t respect the more experienced players or the older players, but they live in a different era. I can say that for my kid that’s 12 years old, the mentality is not the same.
‘Their hunger [is different]. I think they have things more easily, everything’s easy, they don’t suffer – and they don’t care.
‘I don’t mean only a few in Manchester United, but all the teams in all leagues in the world, the youngsters are not the same of my generation. But you cannot blame them, because it’s part of the life and the new generation, the new technologies that distract them.
‘They listen but this is why we have two ears, as you listen from one side and they go away from another side.
Ronaldo singled out Manchester United and Portugal team-mate Diogo Dalot for praise
‘It doesn’t surprise me. But in the same way it’s a shame because if they have the best examples in front of your eyes, and if they don’t at least copy what you did.
‘For me, it’s kind of weird, because I remember when I was 18, 19, 20, I always looked to see the best players in Van Nistelrooy, Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and Giggs – this is why I have the success that I have and longevity.
‘I take care of my body, my mentality, my head, because I see these guys and I learn from them.’
Ronaldo could only single out three players from…