Cristiano Ronaldo defends Man United star after “Is he really that good?” question

Cristiano Ronaldo came to the defence of one Manchester United star who ‘works hard’ and will strive to ‘make himself better’ after questioned.

Ronaldo, 39, rejoined United in the summer of 2021 and scored 18 Premier League goals in his return to the side.

The Portuguese legend would go on to leave the club midway through the 2022/23 campaign after partaking in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan where he criticised the club and manager Erik ten Hag.

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However, despite leaving on what seemed to be bad terms, Ronaldo has also provided support to one of his former club teammates.

Diogo Dalot has been one of United’s standout performers during a difficult season so far. The full-back has played consistently in a backline which has often changed from week to week.

His defending has improved massively, and he is a key component in terms of United’s progression. He also swung in a wonder cross for Scott McTominay against Aston Villa on the weekend.

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However, Dalot still has many critics, and former United defender Rio Ferdinand even asked Ronaldo, who has worked with Dalot at both club and country, whether he’s really that good. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was clear in his response.

Ferdinand has told his FIVE podcast: “Dalot needs a special mention. He is someone I doubted early on. I remember speaking to Cristiano Ronaldo and said, ‘Is he really that good?’ – and Cristiano said he will work hard, make himself better and 100 per cent improve.

“He saw it behind the scenes, so he knew that. I said to Darren Fletcher when I was at the training ground the other day that he has really impressed me.

“Darren said that he is a worker. He’s going to make himself the player he needs to be. I still think defensively, he probably needs to work a little bit.

“With the ball, if we have players running onto them, the forwards will make the runs, and we will score more goals.”