Cristiano Ronaldo told to "join Bournemouth" as he's "part of Man Utd's problem"

Richard Keys says Cristiano Ronaldo was acting petulantly after getting dropped against Burnley and insists the Manchester United star should 'join Bournemouth' if he wants to play every week

Posted Monday, February 14, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Cristiano Ronaldo told to

Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to "sign for Bournemouth" after the Manchester United superstar extended his goalless run to six matches, his longest drought since 2009.

Ralf Rangnick's side have been struggling for consistency for some time and have drawn their last three matches amid rumblings of discontent behind the scenes.

Keys says Ronaldo is "part of the problem" at Old Trafford and insists the 37-year-old should leave if he isn't happy with the situation, following reports the former Real Madrid and Juventus man is disillusioned with life back in Manchester.

"Jorge Mendes was talking to senior Manchester United executives about leaving at the end of the season. My own view of that is that he should he leave now," Keys said speaking on beIN Sports.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to join Bournemouth by Richard Keys (Image: Getty Images)

"I've been of the opinion all season long that I think he's as much a part of the problem - not the whole problem - as anything and anybody else.

"The other night, when he went running down the tunnel at Turf Moor, having recently lectured everyone about being the leader he believes himself to be and that youngsters don't do the sorts of things he does.

"How does that encourage team spirit in the dressing room?"

Co-host Andy Gray then added: "That was not good to see. Totally wrong for him to do that. He's obviously disappointed at not playing.

"He's playing against Burnley, bottom of the league, he's thinking 'there's a few goals in this for me'.

"He is 37 years of age and knows he's running out of time to play top football. You want to try and play as many games as you can."

Keys then replied: "That's fine then, go and sign for Bournemouth and you'll play every week."

Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in 26 games since re-joining United in the summer, but has been accused of refusing to work hard for the team and even of making the team less effective.

According to recent reports, the Portugal international has told close friends of his that he's starting to feel his age, and speculation continues to mount over his future at the club beyond the summer.