Ronaldo Back At United
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 21-year-old winger who was criticised for his part in England striker Rooney’s red card during Portugal’s World Cup quarter-final win in July returns to training with Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney on Monday for the first time since their World Cup clash.
Ronaldo appeared to urge referee Horacio Elizondo to take action against Rooney for his challenge on Ricardo Carvalho.
Portugal star Ronaldo is understood to have since made peace with Rooney, 20.
In the aftermath of their confrontation, Ronaldo insisted he would have to leave Manchester United - and was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insisted Ronaldo was not for sale but doubts still persist over his Old Trafford future.
Ronaldo was returning to United’s Carrington training headquarters after being given an extended break following Portugal’s World Cup campaign.
Portugal’s final game was on 8 July, a defeat in the third-place play-off against hosts Germany.
It is understood United have drafted in extra security to cope with any criticism Ronaldo may receive.
United hope a public truce with Rooney will take the sting out of any abuse Ronaldo may receive - and also remove any doubts he has about staying in the Premiership.
Rooney is expected to figure at some stage in United’s friendly at Macclesfield on Monday night but Ronaldo will not play as he continues his pre-season build-up on the training ground.
Meanwhile, referee Elizondo has criticised Rooney’s behaviour in Gelsenkirchen, saying: “Rooney was complaining all the time, always coming close to you and saying ‘referee this, referee that’.
“Protests and more protests. He reminded me of my kids.”