MANCHESTER UNITED analysts reportedly spotted one struggling star used to pass to Cristiano Ronaldo in hope of receiving praise from the superstar.
Ronaldo, 38, left the club in November following an explosive interview in which he criticised various aspects of the club.
AFPOne Manchester United player constantly passed to Ronaldo to win praise from him[/caption]
He later signed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr and his departure coincided with United’s best run of the season.
United won seven in a row and stars such as Marcus Rashford enjoyed a newfound freedom in attack.
Ronaldo seemingly had a big influence on his team-mates and according to The Athletic one attacking player used to constantly pass to the Portuguese in order to receive his praise.
It is claimed many United players were in awe of Ronaldo when he first arrived, and his winning mentality was viewed as a positive influence.
But over time players began to cower in his presence and were unable to match the big demands and standards he set.
Ronaldo is also believed to have called for captain Harry Maguire to be “demoted” to the bench and labelled the centre-back “part of the problem”.
CR7 even made line-up suggestions and stated who he felt was his ideal strike partner.
Since leaving Old Trafford Ronaldo has not been able to escape irritation with Al-Nassr being knocked out of the Saudi Cup this week.
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He was spotted shouting at his own bench during Monday’s loss to Al-Wehda.
The striker was visibly frustrated at half-time and the cameras caught him yelling and gesticulating towards his own bench as the players made their way to the dressing room.