Wayne Rooney has claimed that former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo will have an ‘enormous’ impact on the Premier League, and his arrival makes Manchester United title challengers.
Derby manager Rooney correctly predicted that Ronaldo would turn down the advances of rivals Manchester City last month.
The Portugal captain looked set to leave Juventus for the blue half of Manchester, but instead opted for a sensational return to United the following day.
Anticipation has since continued to build around Ronaldo’s return, with the five-time Champions League winner expected to feature for United against Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.
Debate has already begun over what sort of impact Ronaldo can have back in England, with some questioning if the 36-year-old can make as much of a difference as he did at Real Madrid and Juventus.
Rooney gave his views when he spoke to talkSPORT ahead of Derby County’s upcoming clash against Birmingham on Friday night, which is LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on talkSPORT 2.
Asked what impact Ronaldo could have, Rooney said: “An enormous one, I think he’s still one of the best players in the world.
“I think we’ve seen in the game against Ireland that’s what he does, last couple of minutes he scores two goals, two great headers, so he can have a massive impact on this league.”
Reports emerged earlier this week that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told his squad that they’re better than his 1999 treble winning Manchester United side, and that the signing of Ronaldo makes them title favourites.
Some questioned the Norwegian’s wisdom, but in Rooney’s eyes, he wasn’t far off in his assessment.
“I think United are finally ready to go and challenge for the title, and I really feel they have to this year,” Rooney said.
“[Ronaldo’s] going to be a big player, I think he’ll have very big moments in the season and I’m sure he’ll score a lot of goals.”
Former teammates have said players should be privileged to play with Ronaldo at United, and Rooney agrees, claiming this is the right time to bring him back to a squad with young talent.
“I follow Manchester United, I want them to do well, and I think it’s great for them that they’ve brought Cristiano back,” he said.
“I think his mentality will rub off on the younger players especially, so I think it’s great timing.”
Despite backing his former teammate to continue breaking records back in England, Rooney does sympathise with those who think the Premier League will be a step up, but it’s one he’ll be able to handle.
“I think Cristiano will know himself it’s not going to be as simple or as straightforward as it was in Spain or in Italy for him,” Rooney said.
“It’s a physical league, he knows, he’s played in it, so I’m sure he’s prepared and he’s ready to go and score goals again for Manchester United.”
Despite having a torrid start to life as a manager with Derby, Rooney has managed to find some time in the sport away from the Rams.
The former England captain was spotted at Wembley during the Three Lions’ run to the final of Euro 2020 in the summer, and also appeared at Soccer Aid last weekend.
However, when he was asked whether he would be attending Ronaldo’s second United debut at the weekend, Rooney had a solid excuse for why he won’t be there.
“No, I won’t be going to the game Saturday,” he said. “I’ve got a day off Saturday and two of my sons have got a game of their own so I’ll be taking them, I’ll be taxi driving on Saturday.”
He could well spend his weekend watching another Ronaldo though, with Cristiano’s son, Ronaldo Jr, joining Rooney’s son Kai in Manchester United’s academy.
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