Petit blasts Ronaldo and claims his ‘oversized’ ego has polluted the Man United dressing room

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has not held back when questioned about Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent antics.

Ronaldo was suspended by the club after he left Old Trafford early, following their 2-0 win over Spurs. As a result, he was omitted from the United squad for their 1-1 draw with Chelsea this weekend.

The 37-year-old has cut a frustrated figure in recent weeks as he has struggled for consistent game time.

Erik ten Hag has taken a strong approach when it comes to Ronaldo and Petit has had plenty to say on the situation.

The former Premier League midfielder explained (via The Rothen S’enflamme): “He tires everyone: the supporters, his teammates. They don’t want him anymore in the locker room, he pollutes everyone so much.

“He has an exceptional career, when he stops we will all be unanimous in saying it, but his behaviour is so individualistic.

“His message yesterday on social media. You know you don’t like what’s going on with your club, you can’t stand your coach Ten Hag anymore, you feel like you are disrespected for what you have done, but your status no longer exists!

“You are no longer the same player, you have been demoted, you have suffered a downgrade, but you do not accept it because your ego is so oversized. Say it real! It can’t be defensible.”

Ronaldo has featured in eight Premier League matches this season, with six of his appearances coming from the bench.

Petit’s comments are shared by plenty of fans, but several of Ronaldo’s former teammates have come to his defence.

For example, Roy Keane explained: “He’s obviously had enough and he’s lost his head. I think it’s been brewing now for the last few weeks.

“But I will still try and defend him. He is a human being, he’s got flaws. He feels frustrated that he’s not been getting opportunities, he’s had enough and walked down the tunnel. I think players have done a lot worse things at Manchester United. It happens, it’s human nature.

“Everyone was talking after the game about how they beat Spurs, how it was a big win, that it was the best performance in years… rubbish. Absolute rubbish.

Man United face Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League in midweek. Ten Hag may see the midweek match as a chance to reintroduce Ronaldo to the first team.

The majority of Ronaldo’s minutes have come in the Europa League this season. The 37-year-old has started in all four of their European matches so far and has scored one goal.

Time will tell on Ronaldo’s next destination and how he and the club move forward from this.

READ MORE: Transfer gossip: Ronaldo could take pay cut to join Chelsea; Real Madrid want Man Utd defender