“We question Cristiano Ronaldo”- Manchester United star told to follow Liverpool veteran’s example

Glenn Murray cites Liverpool icon James Milner as an example for Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo recently gave a very outbursting interview targeting club manager Erik ten Hag and the general environment of Liverpool’s north-west rivals.

The 37-year-old Portuguese international’s comments have not gone down well with the majority of United supporters. As a result, the 5 time Ballon D’Or winner has drawn a lot of criticism for the same.

The interview coincided with Liverpool star James Milner making his 600th league appearance after 20 years in the top flight for the Yorkshire-born 36-year-old midfielder. The Leeds United academy graduate is a fan favourite in Merseyside due to his commitment levels.

The Reds vice-captain Milly came on as a substitute for Harvey Elliott against Southampton, and that completed 600 appearances for the former Leeds United midfielder who has also played for Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Speaking with BBC Radio 5 Live Sport (h/t The Mirror), former Brighton striker Glenn Murray compared Cristiano’s “unprofessional” interview with Milner’s milestone appearance in the top flight. Here is what he said:

“600 appearances. Everything good you can say about James Milner. I was reading something about an evaluation when he was 12, so it was in 1998, and even then, it said ‘natural leader, sets good examples, a great attitude and very confident’. 24 years later, you can actually say exactly the same about him.”

“I think his [Milner’s] whole demeanour opens up a lot of options for him, but whereas what we say with Ronaldo, it has closed a lot of doors on him. No one wants to take him when you act like that.

Even at the age of 36, Milner, starting out of position in right back did extremely well to keep youngster Phil Foden at bay in his last league start against Manchester City. The Reds’ vice-captain, in 308 appearances for Liverpool, has 26 goals and 45 assists.

Milner is a true role-model

In the most likely of scenarios, Milner will depart the club next summer when his contract expires and will go down as a club legend. His level of professionalism and commitment is an example for any player. Murray rightly pointed out this fact and particularly cited him as a true paragon to youngsters.

Moreover, with Cristiano’s latest interview, his public image as a committed team player has certainly gone down by a notch or two. Presently training with Portugal for the World Cup, the former Real Madrid man by the day, seems less likely to feature for Erik ten Hag’s United again.

More Liverpool News

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• Pat Nevin compares Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliot with Kevin De Bruyne
• Ray Parlour urges Liverpool to sign Jude Bellingham or Declan Rice to compete for the title

With Liverpool’s first-choice captain Jordan Henderson on international duty and likely to stay in Qatar for a prolonged period subject to England going through in the tournament, Milly will most likely lead the Reds out against Manchester City in the EFL Cup on 22nd December.